In October 2024, veteran broadcaster Ted Failon interviewed the first nominee of the Vendors Samahan ng Mga Maninindang Pilipino (Vendors) Party List on his radio program Ted Failon at DJ Chacha sa True FM.
In response to questions regarding her motivation for forming the party list, the nominee stated that she began working as a manininda (vendor) when she was still young and had yet to stop being one. If elected, she assured listeners, the Vendors Party List would provide genuine representation to Filipino vendors and serve as their advocate in Congress.
Failon sought to clarify the nature of her business. The nominee mentioned selling apparel, uniforms, jerseys, medals, and other goods, describing herself as a trader. When asked if she sold anything else, she added solar lights and construction materials. Eventually, she referred to a construction company, of which she said she was the president.
Failon was prepared. He himself identified the company as Olympus Mining and Builders Group Philippines Corporation, which the nominee confirmed.
Asked whether the company had dealings with the government, the nominee answered in the affirmative, saying that it participated in bidding for both horizontal and vertical infrastructure projects. Failon cited two contracts, both in Bulacan, awarded by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in June 2024.The combined value of the two contracts reached nearly PHP200 million: the one in Meycauayan was worth PhP95,048,129.17, the other in Marilao, PhP95,042,722.92.
Read the full Report here: The Watcher Entangled Conflict of Interest at COA’s Doorstep
Download Report Annexes:
Annex A – Notice of Award Olympus Mining and Builders Group
Annex B – Contract DPWH and Olympus Mining and Builders Group
Annex C – Notice of Public Scoping Iron Ore Gold and Vanadium Resources Phils Inc.
Annex D – Certificate of Incorporation Iron Ore, Gold and Vanadium Resources Phils. Inc,
Annex E – Contract Agreement DPWH and Le Bron Construction
Annex F – Contract Agreement DPWH and R.U. Aquino Construction & Development / LE Bron Construction