Former Surigao del Sur Rep. Prospero Pichay on Tueday dared investigators of the World Bank (WB) to appear before the Philippine Congress to clarify its findings of alleged collusion in the country's road construction projects.

"They don't have enough evidence. If the World Bank is saying something, how come they can't face us? They should appear (before Congress)," Pichay told ABS-CBN News.

Pichay scored WB's supposed arrogance in interfering with the government's road construction projects, saying that such is "a clear violation of our sovereignty."

He also said that the WB insinuated favoritism, saying that the bank's projects in Davao appeared costlier as consultants have to be paid 15 percent of the contract price.

Pichay is one of the people reported to be linked by the WB report to the purported bid-rigging in government projects. Others implicated in the controversy include First Gentleman Jose Miguel "Mike" Arroyo, the late Sen. Robert Barbers and former Rep. Jacinto "Jing" Paras.

Arroyo govt scored for inaction over WB issue
Meanwhile, Makati Business Club Executive Director Bertie Lim expressed his frustration towards the Arroyo government--particularly the Office of the Ombudsman--on what he said was its “inaction” regarding the World Bank issue.

"We are frustrated with the Ombudsman, not doing what it has to do," Lim said.

Deputy presidential spokesman Anthony Golez said however that Malacañang has been doing its job in addressing the issue citing that Press Secretary Cerge Remonde has already communicated with WB officials.

Citing Remonde, Golez said the WB report had come from statements of the losing contractors.

Regarding the First Gentleman's alleged involvement in the controversy, Golez said Mr. Arroyo has yet to receive an official copy of the WB report. With a report from Adrian Ayalin, ABS-CBN News