By Grace Q. Bryant
The House of Representatives has summoned East International Road Construction Company and the National Road Fund (NRF) for contempt after they failed to appear before the legislative body as required.
The decision was made on Tuesday, February 25, during the 11th Day Sitting of the 1st Quarter of the 2nd Session, following appearances by officials from the Ministries of Public Works and Finance.
Previously, the House had summoned the Ministers of Finance, Justice, Public Works, the Public Procurement Concession Commission (PPCC), and the NRF to provide updates on a US$100 million investment loan managed by East International Road Construction Company.
However, East Construction did not attend the session, instead submitting a letter stating that its CEO (Chairman) and Financial Manager were out of the country, having traveled to China for holidays, and would not return until early April 2025. Lawmakers dismissed this explanation as disrespectful and inadequate.
During a heated debate, the House voted to summon East Construction’s senior management to appear before the full plenary with all necessary documents, including travel records, and justify why they should not be held in contempt for obstructing legislative proceedings.
The Director-General of the National Road Fund has also been ordered to appear under contempt.
Both entities, along with the previously summoned officials from the Ministries of Finance, Justice, Public Works, and the PPCC, are expected to appear before the full plenary on Tuesday at 10:00 AM to provide further clarity on the US$100 million investment loan.