The Senate blue ribbon committee hearing took a dramatic turn as contractors Sarah and Curlee Discaya publicly named several congressmen, their staff, and officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) whom they accused of being involved in widespread corruption in the country’s flood control projects.
The couple, who said they are willing to testify as state witnesses, revealed how they were allegedly exploited by powerful officials who demanded huge cuts from government projects in exchange for smooth implementation.
“Wala kaming magawa…”
In a trembling voice, Curlee Discaya told senators:
“Paulit-ulit kaming ginamit ng mga nasa pwesto sa sistemang ito. Wala kaming magawa, dahil kung hindi kami makikisama, sisirain nila ang proyekto—maaari itong ma-terminate o magkaroon ng problema sa right of way. Parehong dahilan para hindi matuloy ang proyekto.”
He claimed that once their company won bids, DPWH officials approached them demanding at least 10% to 25% of the project cost. Without paying, he said, their projects would be stalled.
Lawmakers and Officials Named
The Discayas then dropped names—a long list of lawmakers and DPWH officials they accused of being involved in the kickback scheme.
Among those mentioned were:
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Pasig City Rep. Roman Romulo
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Uswag Ilonggo Partylist Rep. Jojo Ang
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Quezon City Rep. Patrick Michael Vargas
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Quezon City Rep. Arjo Atayde
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Agap Partylist Rep. Nikki Briones
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Marikina Rep. Marcy Teodoro
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San Jose del Monte, Bulacan Rep. Florida Robes
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Romblon Rep. Eleandro Jesus Madrona
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Rep. Benjie Agarao Jr.
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An-Waray Partylist Rep. Bem Noel
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Occidental Mindoro Rep. Ode Tarriela
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Quezon Rep. Reynan Arogancia
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Quezon City Rep. Marvin Rillo
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Aklan Rep. Teodorico Haresco
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Zamboanga Sibugay Rep. Antonieta Yudela
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Caloocan City Rep. Dean Asistio
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Quezon City Rep. Marivic Co-Pillar
The couple also mentioned former Undersecretary Terrence Calatrava from the Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas.
On the DPWH side, the names included regional directors, district engineers, and an undersecretary. Curlee further alleged that some DPWH officials said the money was intended for Rep. Zaldy Co, with demands as high as 25%.
Plea for Protection
The couple admitted fear for their lives after going public. They appealed to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and the Senate committee for protection—not just for themselves, but for their family and employees.
“We never wanted to be part of this system,” Sarah said with emotion. “But we had to continue—for our family, for our workers. Otherwise, our company would be erased from the list and we’d lose everything.”
Strong Denials from Lawmakers
The accusations triggered a storm of denials.
House Speaker Martin Romualdez called the claims “false and malicious,” saying:
“Let me be clear: I have no role, no permission, and no blessing in these alleged acts. Congress does not implement projects—that’s the duty of DPWH.”
He stressed he has never accepted bribes and warned against name-dropping that could destroy reputations.
Other lawmakers—including Reps. Madrona, Robes, Teodoro, Atayde, Romulo, Vargas, Asistio, and Agarao—all strongly denied involvement, some even threatening libel and perjury charges against the Discayas.
Mayor Florida Robes said, “Walang ghost project sa San Jose del Monte. Our infrastructure is world-class.”
Former Marikina Mayor Marcy Teodoro dismissed the claims as a “demolition job.”
Rep. Patrick Vargas declared there were “zero projects” with the Discayas in his district, while Rep. Dean Asistio vowed to see the couple in court for what he described as “malicious lies.”
A Battle of Truth vs. Power
The Discayas’ testimony has opened a high-stakes political firestorm. On one side are two contractors claiming to expose the rotten heart of the flood control system. On the other side, some of the country’s most powerful lawmakers insist they are victims of lies.
As investigations continue, one question hangs heavy: Are the Discayas truth-tellers risking everything, or pawns in a bigger game of power and politics?
