NBI probes Davao contractor linked to Dutertes; issues subpoena to DPWH - Rappler

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NBI. National Bureau of Investigation Director Melvin Matibag during a press briefing at the NBI Headquarters on May 4, 2026.

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MANILA, Philippines – The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is now investigating Genesis88 Construction Inc., a construction firm whose owner is linked to the Duterte family.

“Yes, and case buildup,” NBI Director Melvin Matibag told Rappler on Monday, September 21, when asked for confirmation regarding the probe.

“Subpoena [was] served to DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways) officials in relation to this,” Matibag added.

On September 8, Matibag had said his bureau was looking into the P1.9-billion flood control projects awarded to Genesis88, located in the district of Davao City Representative Paolo Duterte.

The Dutertes’ longtime friend, Glenn Escandor, is the owner of the said firm, based on Securities and Exchange Commission records obtained by Rappler in 2025.

A Rappler investigation revealed that one in four flood control projects in Davao City were awarded to Genesis88. The years when it bagged the contracts coincided with the time when Rodrigo Duterte was president and when the younger Duterte was the lawmaker representing the 1st District of Davao City.

Almost P2.9 billion (or P2,890,690,550.13) worth of contracts for flood control infrastructure from 2021 to 2023 went to the firm, based on figures from the Sumbong sa Pangulo website. This translated to a total of 35 projects — solo contracting and joint ventures with other firms included — in the region.

Escandor was former president Duterte’s assistant for sports. He also owns the Escandor Development Corporation, which donated P19.923 million for the ads of Vice President Sara Duterte during the 2022 national elections, according to the Vice President’s Statement of Contributions and Expenditures seen by Rappler.

On Monday, the NBI also announced that it had served subpoenas to Engineer Juby Blancaver Cordon, director of DPWH Davao Region.

The bureau invited Cordon to the NBI headquarters in Pasay City on September 24 for its investigation into alleged violations of Article 217 of the Revised Penal Code, Republic Act No. 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and RA 9160 or the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2001.

It also asked for a list of documents related to the infrastructure projects secured by Genesis88.

Representative Duterte, in a statement on September 17, said he welcomed Matibag’s statement regarding the supposed probe.

“Walang selective investigation. Ebidensya ang dapat magsalita. Kaya welcome na welcome sa amin ‘yang Matibag investigation na ‘yan (There should be no selective investigation. Evidence should speak for itself. That is why this Matibag investigation is very much welcome),” said Duterte. – Rappler.com