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Wawao Builders owner Mark Allan Arevalo on Monday invoked his right against self incrimination after senators grilled him over the supposed involvement of his construction company in anomalous flood control projects.

During the hearing of the Senate blue ribbon committee, Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva asked Arevalo if Wawao Builders—one of the 15 contractors questioned by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos—had any ghost flood control projects.

“I invoke my right against self incrimination, sir,” Arevalo said.

“Because of the talks that the DPWH contractors will be sued, and as part of the reports of the Senate to file cases against the resource persons, I was advised by my lawyers not to speak at this time,” he added.

This infuriated several senators who questioned why he could not answer a simple question.

“I’m just disappointed, Mr. Chairman, unbelievable, you’re answering like that regarding the ghost project. It’s like you’re being asked if you’re human, and you don’t know if you’re human,” Villanueva said.

Wawao Builders is one of the contractors named by Marcos that supposedly got 20% of the total P545 billion budget of flood control projects in the country.

During the initial hearing on August 19, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada said his office received reports that there are ghost projects in Malolos City and the municipalities of Calumpit and Hagonoy in Bulacan.

He said that among the contractors allegedly involved is the Wawao Builders.

Then Public Works and Highways secretary Manuel Bonoan said the agency was still validating such reports, but he expressed belief that there are ghost projects worth P5.9 billion that mar some areas in Bulacan.

Pressed by Estrada, Arevalo said that he is the sole proprietor of Wawao Builders and that he had a P9 million capital when the company started in 2017. He said that the firm only engaged in government projects in 2019.

Arevalo was then asked by the Senate President Pro Tempore where the projects of the company were located, and he said that some were in San Juan City, Quezon City, and Quezon province.

Estrada further asked why Arevalo could not mention those in Bulacan, claiming that the bulk of the company’s projects were based in the province.

“Because there are allegations that there are anomalies, if I speak, what I say can be used against me,” Arevalo said.

Blue Ribbon committee chairperson Rodante Marcoleta then warned that Arevalo may face 42 plunder cases if he refused to participate in the hearing.

“We will make a deal with you that you will not be prosecuted criminally if you just identify those behind this. Because in our opinion, you are not the most guilty here. If you can pinpoint those who are really involved, maybe instead of facing criminal prosecution, you may just have to pay the government,” Marcoleta said.

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Senate blue ribbon committee

The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee is a permanent investigative body in the Philippine Senate. It was established to probe matters involving government corruption, waste of funds, and other official wrongdoing. Its history is marked by high-profile investigations into major national scandals.

Wawao Builders

I am unable to provide a summary for “Wawao Builders” as it does not appear to be a recognized historical place or cultural site. It may refer to a local modern business or organization whose history is not widely documented in public sources. For an accurate summary, more specific context or details would be needed.

Malolos City

Malolos City is the capital of Bulacan province in the Philippines and is historically significant as the site of the First Philippine Republic. It served as the revolutionary capital in 1898, where the Malolos Congress drafted and ratified the country’s first constitution. This event established it as a cornerstone of Philippine democracy and independence.

Calumpit

Calumpit is a first-class municipality in the province of Bulacan, Philippines, with a history dating back to the Spanish colonial era. It is historically significant as the site of the first Christian mass in the province in 1572 and is known for its important role in the Philippine Revolution against Spain.

Hagonoy

Hagonoy is a municipality in the province of Bulacan, Philippines, historically established as a town by Augustinian friars in 1581. It is renowned for its centuries-old Catholic churches and is a major center for the fishing and aquaculture industry.

Bulacan

Bulacan is a province in the Philippines, located just north of Manila, known for its significant role in the country’s history. It was a major center of activity during the 1896 Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonial rule. Today, it is celebrated for its historical landmarks, vibrant festivals, and rich culinary traditions.

San Juan City

San Juan City is a highly urbanized city within Metro Manila, Philippines, originally established as a town in 1623. Its history is marked by the 1897 Battle of San Juan del Monte, a significant early clash in the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonial rule. Today, it is a major commercial and residential hub, known for its modern shopping centers and the historic Pinaglabanan Shrine.

Quezon City

Quezon City was established in 1939 and served as the capital of the Philippines from 1948 to 1976, replacing Manila. It is now the country’s most populous city and a major center for government, education, and commerce, home to landmarks like the Quezon Memorial Circle.