The contractor that cornered P1.9 billion worth of flood control projects in the district of Davao City Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte is allegedly a longtime acquaintance and friend of the Duterte family.
National Bureau of Investigation Director Melvin Matibag said the NBI established the connection between Genesis 88 Construction and the Dutertes based on its investigation.
“Yun ang na-establish based on our investigation, na matagal ng kakilala at kaibigan,” Matibag said.
The NBI chief made the statement after confirming that documents from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) showed that ₱1.9 billion worth of flood control projects had been awarded to Genesis 88 Construction.
“P1.9 billion ini-award lahat sa Genesis 88 Construction,” Matibag said while showing the documents to reporters.
Matibag said the information was not merely hearsay because the source itself had identified the DPWH as the source of the information on the projects.
“So hindi tsismis, sabi niya nga, galing sa DPWH. DPWH nga pinanggalingan nito,” he said.
Asked whether the NBI had found irregularities in the awarding of the L1.9 billion projects to a single contractor, Matibag said the agency was still examining the documents.
“Nagulat nga ako bat nagagalit kagad eh ang statement ko lang eh there’s a P1.9 billion project flood control project sa DPWH na lahat na-award lang sa isang contractor,” he said.
Matibag said some of the documents in their possession showed that a project awarded in 2024 had yet to be completed.
“Well, tinitignan pa natin sa hawak natin na dokumento, may 2024 pa na hindi pa completed. So titignan pa natin, ebidensya tinitignan natin. Hindi marites,” he said.
The NBI chief also said Genesis 88 was a known contractor, particularly in Davao.
“Kilala naman doon. Siguro yung mga taga-Davao kilala naman siguro yung Genesis 88,” Matibag said.
Asked directly whether Genesis 88 was a longtime friend of the Dutertes, Matibag said the NBI’s investigation had established the connection.
The P1.9 billion in flood control projects awarded to Genesis 88 were reportedly all within the congressional district represented by Duterte.#