Quezon City 1st District Rep. Arjo Atayde has rejected allegations made by Pacifico “Curlee” II and Cezarah “Sarah” Discaya, the couple at the center of the multibillion-peso flood control scandal, after they included his name among lawmakers who supposedly demanded cuts from infrastructure projects.
“I categorically deny the allegation that I benefited from any contractor. I have never dealt with them. Hindi totoo ang mga [akusasyon] na ito. I have never used my position for personal gain, and I never will,” Atayde said in a statement posted on his Instagram Story Monday.
Discaya testimony and broader scandal
The Discaya couple earlier claimed that some legislators and DPWH officials pressured them to give 10–25% of project values as kickbacks to prevent delays in implementation. Curlee Discaya alleged that officials would approach them after winning bids, demanding their share in cash, with vouchers and ledgers used to record the transactions.
The couple’s firms have long dominated the flood control sector, cornering at least ₱25.2 billion worth of contracts in 345 projects. Senate inquiries have since flagged possible “ghost” projects, while the Contractors Accreditation Board revoked the licenses of nine Discaya-owned companies over irregularities.
Growing backlash and government probe
Public anger has been mounting, with protesters vandalizing the Discayas’ compound in Pasig with graffiti branding them “corrupt” and “thief.” Activist groups have pointed to the ₱308 billion budget allocated this year for flood control, warning that massive sums are being drained by corruption.
Malacañang has also criticized the Discayas’ previous denials in related controversies, while the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee continues its hearings into the scandal.
