Contractors Sarah and Pacifico ‘Curlee’ Discaya II testify before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee on Sept. 8, 2025, where they accused several lawmakers and Department of Public Works and Highways officials of soliciting kickbacks from flood-control projects. – Photo Source : Senate of the Philippines (Social Media Unit)
MANILA – Government contractors Sarah and Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya II have ignited a political storm after accusing members of the House of Representatives and officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) of demanding kickbacks from flood-control projects.
The couple testified before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee on Sept. 8, alleging that lawmakers and DPWH personnel sought commissions of 10% to 25% in exchange for facilitating or approving contracts. They said they documented dates and locations of alleged payoffs but did not present evidence at the hearing, citing safety concerns. The Discayas clarified that no senators were implicated in their initial testimony.
Lawmakers Named Push Back
House Speaker Martin Romualdez denounced the allegations as “false, malicious, and name-dropping meant to smear his integrity.” He and other allies vowed to pursue legal remedies, including possible defamation or perjury charges.
Romblon Rep. Eleandro Jesus “Budoy” Madrona confirmed visiting the Discayas but insisted the purpose was “to request for the donation sa simbahan” (a church contribution). He stressed that no flood-control projects in his district were connected to the scandal and pledged to resign if proven otherwise.
Other lawmakers also rejected the claims:
- Rep. Roman Romulo said he only chaired committee meetings, with no role in project awards.
- Rep. Marcelino “Marcy” Teodoro noted he was not yet in office when the contracts were awarded.
- Rep. Florida Robes announced she would file a libel case against the Discayas.
- Rep. Jojo Ang (Uswag Ilonggo) likewise denied any wrongdoing, rejecting suggestions he profited from public works funds.
Actor and Quezon City Rep. Arjo Atayde also denied the accusations. His wife, television host Maine Mendoza, publicly defended him, calling the allegations “baseless” and “
Expanding Fallout
The scandal has widened beyond the House, with the Discayas also naming former Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Terence Calatrava. Their testimony has placed additional pressure on Congress, especially after the mention of Speaker Romualdez, a cousin of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Civil society groups and religious leaders have called for accountability, restitution of stolen funds, and reforms in public contracting.
Official and Institutional Responses
- DPWH officials implicated have denied wrongdoing. The Department of Budget and Management has begun reviewing the eligibility of Discaya-linked firms for future procurement.
- President Marcos described the revelations as “horrible” and pledged to establish an independent commission to investigate.
- The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee is weighing whether the Discayas should be placed under witness protection. An ex-DPWH executive was cited in contempt for refusing to cooperate.
- The House of Representatives has reopened its own inquiry into anomalous flood-control projects, running parallel to the Senate probe.
Investigations Continue
The allegations remain unproven, and all lawmakers and officials named have categorically denied involvement. The controversy has intensified calls for transparency in government infrastructure spending and highlighted the deep political sensitivities surrounding congressional projects.
Both the Senate probe and the Palace’s promised commission are expected to determine whether the Discayas’ claims will result in formal charges—or be dismissed as unsubstantiated name-dropping.
