Small Contractor Upset Nobody Has Accused Him of Anything Yet

'I Also Cut Corners,' Provincial Operator Insists

BULACAN — A contractor who has worked on Philippine government infrastructure projects for over a decade expressed frustration that investigators, journalists and Senate committees have yet to accuse him of any wrongdoing in connection with allegations of corruption in flood management contracts.

"I've been in this industry 14 years," said Roberto Salazar, 53, owner of Salazar Builders General Construction and Supply. "I also did flood control. I also know people. Why has no one called me?"

Salazar, whose company has completed an estimated ₱40 million in provincial drainage projects since 2011, said he has been following the controversy closely and cannot understand why his name has not been mentioned alongside the contractors now facing charges and nationally televised hearings.

"You're telling me [Sarah] Discaya gets a Senate appearance and a mugshot, and I get nothing?" Salazar said, gesturing at a small office cluttered with permits and receipts. "I've been underbidding jobs in this province since Arroyo was president. I thought that counted for something."

Gloria Macapagal Arroyo served as the president of the country from 2001 to 2010.

Senate investigators have so far identified 15 contractors responsible for more than ₱100 billion in allegedly fraudulent projects. Salazar is not among them.

"I saw the list," he said. "I wasn't even close."

Salazar has grown increasingly agitated as the scandal has widened to include lawmakers, department officials and a web of connections to high-ranking officials, none of which have ever involved him, according to colleagues.

"He keeps asking if we've heard anything," said one employee, who asked to remain anonymous. "Like maybe investigators mentioned him. They haven't."

Salazar said he has made multiple attempts to insert himself into the narrative. He claims to have emailed several news outlets, tagged investigative journalists on Facebook and once drove past a Senate hearing "to see if anyone recognized my car."

No one did.

"I also have a Ford Everest," Salazar noted. "It's not a Maserati, but it's still something."

He added that he would be "more than willing" to appear before any committee and deny any allegations should they be made.

"I have a statement prepared," he said. "I've been practicing."

When reached for comment, a Senate staff member said they had no record of Salazar or his company in connection with any ongoing investigation.

"Who?" the staff member asked.

At press time, Salazar was drafting a formal letter to the national anti-corruption office requesting to be included in the next round of subpoenas. ■