The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee has issued a show cause order against Edgar Acosta, president of Hi-Tone Construction and Development Corp., after he failed to appear at two separate hearings on alleged irregularities in government flood control projects.
Records show Acosta was first invited to attend the hearing on August 15. When he did not show up, the committee sent a subpoena dated September 1. Despite these notices, Acosta was absent from both sessions.
According to the committee, Acosta sent a representative during the second hearing who submitted a medical certificate claiming he was “not medically fit” to appear in person. The panel, however, emphasized that the hearings required his direct testimony and explanation.
Committee chair Sen. Rodante Marcoleta said Acosta now has three days to formally explain his repeated absences. Failure to do so could lead to contempt charges, which carry possible arrest and detention until he complies with the order.
The panel is investigating alleged anomalies in the implementation of flood control projects across the country, many of which were awarded to private contractors like Hi-Tone. Lawmakers earlier raised concerns over questionable bidding processes and the quality of completed works.
Meanwhile, the committee also confirmed that subpoenas have been issued to other contractors who failed to attend the previous hearing.
