DAVAO CITY(November 17) — Business leaders in Davao are sounding the alarm over what they describe as shocking, large-scale corruption in national government projects—billions allegedly lost to collusion between politicians and private contractors.
Dr. Roland T. Suico, president of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce & Industry Inc. (DCCCII), said the local business community is “deeply frustrated,” stressing that taxpayers bear the cost every day.
“Even when you buy a small candy, it has VAT. These funds should come back to us through services and infrastructure,” Suico said during a forum Friday, Nov. 14.
He said the Davao Chamber fully supports the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), which recently issued a forceful resolution urging the President to stop “unabated and excessive corruption” in public projects, recover stolen funds, and hold all involved accountable.
The call comes as investigations widen into alleged anomalies in flood control projects in several congressional districts—some allegedly overpriced, substandard, or never built. The DPWH has turned over documents, and the Ombudsman has begun summoning officials and contractors.
Despite the controversy, Suico said investor interest in Davao remains unexpectedly strong. Delegations from Brunei, Indonesia, and other countries continue to visit, showing “no significant impact” from national political turbulence.
For business leaders, the message is clear: fixing corruption is not just about politics—it’s about restoring public trust and ensuring that taxpayers’ money truly goes to projects that benefit communities.
