MANILA, Philippines — September 9, 2025. Contractor-spouses Pacifico “Curlee” and Cezarah “Sarah” Discaya have expressed willingness to serve as state witnesses after alleging that several lawmakers and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials demanded kickbacks of up to 25 percent from government-funded flood control projects.
House Speaker Martin Romualdez and other legislators quickly dismissed the accusations, labeling them as baseless and politically motivated.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. also weighed in, announcing that no budget allocation would be made for new flood control projects in the proposed 2026 national budget. He explained that the government is reviewing DPWH’s budget, noting that over ₱350 billion remains unspent from the 2025 allocation. Marcos clarified that while flood mitigation will continue, questionable or unnecessary projects will be excluded.
Discayas’ Testimony
During a Senate hearing, the Discayas claimed they had long been pressured into participating in rigged bidding processes and later forced to pay off officials to secure project implementation. Pacifico Discaya alleged that demands ranged from 10 to 25 percent of project costs, with payments often made in cash and recorded in company ledgers.
They further named politicians and DPWH executives who allegedly benefited from the scheme, including aides of Quezon City Rep. Marvin Rillo and several district engineers. Among the high-profile names mentioned was former House appropriations committee chair Zaldy Co.
The couple requested protection from both the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee and President Marcos, saying their safety was at risk after revealing the alleged scheme. Senator Rodante Marcoleta, who chairs the committee, assured them that security would be provided.
DOJ and Local Leaders Respond
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said the Department of Justice is prepared to extend protection but emphasized that the Discayas must not be “the most guilty” party. He also stressed that any funds obtained through anomalous projects must first be returned to the government.
Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, who previously defeated Sarah Discaya in the 2022 local elections, warned the public to remain cautious. He argued that the couple may be attempting to manipulate the system to avoid prosecution, noting inconsistencies in their claims about profit margins from contracts.
Meanwhile, Pasig City police confirmed they had not received a formal request for security detail from the couple.
The controversy adds further tension to the ongoing review of flood control allocations, as the government seeks to ensure transparency and accountability in infrastructure spending.
