SENATOR Rodante Marcoleta, who heads the Senate blue ribbon panel investigating allegedly corrupt flood control projects, revealed on Wednesday that one of the top 15 contractors involved is already out of the country.
Marcoleta disclosed that it is currently uncertain whether the individual left after being implicated in the flood control mess, clarifying that he was not implying the contractor was fleeing or hiding.
He noted that while there is information indicating someone is looking for them, it has come to light that they are no longer in the Philippines. Marcoleta initially stated that two contractors had left the country but quickly retracted, saying one had already returned.
While confirming that the contractor is among the top 15 firms named by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Marcoleta declined to identify the individual.
He explained that the contractor has appointed a representative to attend Senate hearings, but he is unsure if the representative has the authority to answer on behalf of the firm. The panel will issue a show-cause order against the absent contractor and may proceed with a subpoena and warrant if necessary.
