NBI flags 47 flood-control projects in Pulong Duterte’s district

National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag said the bureau has flagged 47 of 100 flood-control projects in the district of Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte.

Matibag said the projects are part of the P1.9 billion worth of flood-control projects in Duterte’s district, all of which he said were awarded to Genesis88 Construction Inc.

Matibag said the contractor is close to the Dutertes.

“There are projects that were red-flagged… About 47 out of 100,” Matibag said, citing records from the Department of Public Works and Highways.

When asked about the nature of the “red flags,” Matibag cited “ghost” and “substandard” projects.

“There’s a project with one coordinate and five budgets, each with a different title,” he added. “This isn’t gossip. I saw the document.”

However, Matibag clarified that only about six projects had clear problems.

He said the NBI would begin issuing subpoenas on Friday to 51 individuals from Genesis88 Construction, Gemma Construction, the DPWH and the Commission on Audit to shed light on the investigation.

To recall, Genesis88 Construction Inc. allegedly secured 35 flood-control contracts amounting to roughly P2.9 billion in the Davao Region between 2021 and 2023, with 30 of these projects located specifically in Davao City’s 1st District.

The company secured 28 projects independently, worth more than P2.07 billion, and entered into joint ventures for the remaining seven projects. The firm is owned by Glenn Escandor, a former presidential sports adviser.