MANILA, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation has flagged 47 flood control projects in the congressional district of Davao City Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte for further scrutiny, with 51 individuals from three construction firms and government agencies set to receive subpoenas.
NBI Director Melvin Matibag said six of the 47 projects showed what investigators considered clear problems, including alleged ghost and substandard projects, based on documents obtained from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
The NBI's recent disclosures significantly broaden its inquiry into district flood control initiatives, focusing heavily on approximately P1.9 billion in contracts awarded to Genesis88 Construction Inc. Matibag noted that investigators are actively reviewing why a single contractor managed to secure such a volume of projects within this particular congressional district.
The bureau is preparing subpoenas for 51 individuals connected to three construction companies, including Genesis88.
Also to be subpoenaed are officials from Agong Construction, Gemma Construction, the DPWH regional office and the Commission on Audit, according to Matibag.
The subpoenas are expected to be served as early as Friday or Monday.
Genesis88 has become a key focal point in the NBI's investigation following DPWH records revealing the firm secured roughly P1.9 billion in flood control contracts within Duterte's district.
Investigators are reviewing this allocation alongside the company owner's ties to the Duterte family, whom Matibag described as a long-time friend. Additionally, records show certain projects initiated in 2024 are still incomplete.
While the contracts are not currently classified as irregular, the NBI emphasized that the probe is active and aims to scrutinize documentary evidence to uncover any potential violations or to clear individuals if no offenses are found.
Duterte has pushed back against Matibag’s public statements, urging the NBI chief not to make the investigation personal.
In a statement, Duterte said the focus should not simply be on who repeatedly won government contracts but on whether the projects involved overpricing, ghost projects, substandard construction, kickbacks or theft of public funds.
He also argued that the relevant procurement records, contracts and other documents are already with the DPWH.
The NBI maintained that its ongoing inquiry relies strictly on official documentation, with Matibag dismissing claims that the probe stems from rumors and emphasizing that the bureau's work is guided solely by evidence.
