The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has found that around ₱7 billion worth of flood control projects in the first district of Davao City were awarded to a single contractor from 2018 to 2024, NBI Director Melvin Matibag said Thursday.

In an interview on DZRH's Dos Por Dos, Matibag said the figure came from an initial report by the Commission on Audit (COA) as the bureau expanded its investigation into alleged irregularities in flood control projects in the district of Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte.

The NBI initially looked into ₱1.9 billion worth of projects awarded to Genesis88 Construction Inc. but later found that the total value of projects awarded to one contractor during the period was about ₱7 billion.

“May initial report po kami from Commission on Audits. 7 billion po pala hindi po pala ₱1.9 billion. Isa lang doon sa tatlong contractors na nabanggit,” he said.

The NBI is now looking into 51 flood control projects, with 47 previously identified as having red flags. Some of the projects are being examined for possible irregularities in their procurement and implementation.

Matibag said the bureau is also looking into why a single contractor repeatedly secured a large number of government projects despite the presence of other contractors.

“Sa unang tingin wala naman pong makikitang masama… mayroon din itong alarma na magsasound din ‘yung pong Philippine competition. Alam naman natin marami po namang contractor. Bakit laging sila, dalawa ang nakakuha?” he added.

The NBI said it would consult the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) as part of its investigation into the awarding of the projects.

The bureau is also coordinating with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and COA to verify procurement records and other project documents.

He also stressed that the issuance of subpoenas and the summoning of government officials and other individuals are part of the NBI's evidence-gathering process and do not by themselves establish guilt.

The NBI also said the investigation is not intended to single out any politician or locality, noting that the Davao probe is part of a broader nationwide investigation into alleged irregularities in flood control projects.

“Wala po tayong sinisingled out dito... Wala po tayong tinutumbok na personalidad dito,” Matibag said.

The bureau urged the public to refrain from speculation while investigators continue to verify the documents and gather evidence.

Watch the full interview: