The controversy surrounding Pacifico “Curlee” II and Cezarah “Sarah” Discaya, long known as the country’s “flood control king and queen,” has erupted further after the couple identified lawmakers and public works officials who they claim demanded cuts of 10% to 25% from flood-control projects.
“Matapos namin manalo sa mga bidding, may mga opisyal mula sa DPWH ang lumalapit sa amin para humingi at kumuha ng bahagi niya sa halaga ng proyekto,” Curlee Discaya declared, saying the payments were a condition to avoid delays in project implementation.
Alleged recipients of 10–25% shares
In documents submitted to investigators, the Discayas said the amounts were delivered in cash, each transaction recorded with vouchers and ledgers. They listed the following:
Lawmakers and political figures allegedly involved:
Terrence Calatrava – Former Undersecretary, Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas
Rep. Roman Romulo (Pasig)
Rep. Jojo Ang (Uswag Ilonggo Partylist)
Rep. Patrick Michael Vargas (Quezon City)
Rep. Juan Carlos “Arjo” Atayde (Quezon City)
Rep. Nicanor “Nikki” Briones (AGAP Partylist)
Rep. Marcelino “Marcy” Teodoro (Marikina)
Rep. Florida “Rida” Robes (San Jose del Monte, Bulacan)
Rep. Eleandro Jesus Madrona (Romblon)
Rep. Benjamin “Benjie” Agarao Jr.
Rep. Florencio Gabriel “Bem” Noel (An-Waray Partylist)
Rep. Leody “Odie” Tarriela
Rep. Reynante “Reynan” Arrogancia (Quezon)
Rep. Marvin Rillo (Quezon City)
Rep. Teodorico “Teodoro” Haresco Jr. (Aklan)
Rep. Antonieta Eudela (Zamboanga Sibugay)
Rep. Dean Asistio (Caloocan)
Rep. Marivic Co-Pillar (Quezon City)
DPWH officials allegedly named:
Regional Director Eduarte Virgilio (DPWH Region V)
Director Ramon A. Arriola III (Unified Project Management Office)
District Engineer Henry Alcantara (DPWH Bulacan)
Undersecretary Robert Bernardo
District Engineer Aristotle Ramos (DPWH Metro Manila 1st)
District Engineer Manny Bulusan (DPWH North Manila DEO)
District Engineer Edgardo C. Pingol (DPWH Bulacan Sub-DEO)
District Engineer Michael Rosaria (DPWH Quezon 2nd DEO)
The Discayas further alleged that Rep. Marvin Rillo often cited Speaker Martin Romualdez as his close ally when arranging project shares, while Rep. Antonieta Eudela was accused of negotiating together with her spouse.
Public backlash and official response
The disclosures have amplified public anger. Activists recently vandalized the Discayas’ Pasig compound with graffiti reading “corrupt” and “thief,” while protests spilled over to DPWH offices.
The Contractors Accreditation Board earlier revoked the licenses of nine Discaya-linked firms, citing irregularities. Still, one of their companies secured a ₱149.5 million contract in Cebu in 2024.
Malacañang and the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee have both vowed to pursue investigations. Lawmakers and officials named by the Discayas have yet to issue full public statements in response to the allegations.
