THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has permanently disqualified SYMS Construction Trading and Wawao Builders, two leading flood control contractors, as part of the Marcos administration’s anti-corruption efforts.
“I will also order the perpetual lifetime blacklisting of Wawao Builders from DPWH and all their possible affiliates,” declared newly appointed DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon on Thursday, September 4, during an inspection of a P96.5-million flood control project in Barangay Sipat, Plaridel, Bulacan.
The Plaridel project, awarded to Wawao Builders, was found to be significantly delayed, with construction commencing only in August 2025 despite records indicating a completion date of June 2024.
Wawao Builders is also implicated in alleged ghost projects in Calumpit and Hagonoy, Bulacan. Mark Allan Arevalo, listed as a director in Securities and Exchange Commission records, invoked his right against self-incrimination during a Senate blue ribbon committee hearing on September 1, leading Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson to suspect that Arevalo is merely a dummy for the true owner of the company.
Meanwhile, SYMS Construction Trading, based in Malolos, is responsible for the P55-million concrete riverwall project in Baliuag, Bulacan, which was inspected by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on August 20.
Following the inspection, President Marcos ordered the firm’s blacklisting and the filing of charges under the Revised Penal Code and RA 3019.
The DPWH has stated that it will recommend the Department of Justice to file cases against both flood control contractors.
In addition to these actions, Secretary Dizon ordered the suspension of bidding for all locally-funded infrastructure projects on Wednesday, September 3, as the department develops safeguards to ensure fair and honest bidding practices.
