Several legislators and local officials have strongly denied accusations made by Pacifico “Curlee” II and Cezarah “Sarah” Discaya, the couple embroiled in the multibillion-peso flood control controversy. The Discayas earlier claimed that lawmakers and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials demanded 10–25% cuts from projects their companies had secured.
Wave of denials from congressmen
Quezon City 5th District Rep. Patrick Michael Vargas dismissed the allegations as baseless. “100% NOT TRUE. Ano kaya ang motibo nila? Walang project ang mga Discaya sa district natin kailanman. Zero. This is confirmed and certified. I will file a case against them for this blatant lie. My track record speaks for itself,” Vargas said.
Romblon Rep. Eleandro Jesus Madrona also rejected the claim. “To my recollection, wala akong project sa kaniya, so anong basehan ng sinabi niyang pagbigay niya sa akin?” he asked.
Pasig Rep. Roman Romulo described his inclusion in the list as nothing more than “black propaganda.”
House Speaker Martin Romualdez likewise denied receiving bribes. “I have never, and I will never, accept a bribe from anybody. Walang sinuman ang kayang manuhol sa akin. Alam iyan ng lahat ng House Members,” he declared.
Marikina 1st District Rep. Marcy Teodoro labeled the allegation a “demolition job” and stressed he was not yet a congressman when the Discayas won flood control contracts.
Occidental Mindoro Rep. Leody Tarriela underscored that DPWH alone handles project implementation. “Hindi natin alam at wala tayong kinalaman sa anumang proseso nito,” he said.
Quezon City 1st District Rep. Arjo Atayde issued a categorical denial, saying: “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.”
Mayors also react
San Jose del Monte City Mayor Florida Robes, who was likewise named, announced she would pursue legal action. “Kung sino man gumagamit ng pangalan ko, mangilabot naman kayo!” she said, warning of a libel case against the Discayas.
The Discaya couple, whose firms have cornered at least ₱25.2 billion in flood control contracts across 345 projects, told investigators that kickbacks were demanded in cash and recorded in ledgers. They alleged the cuts were necessary to prevent project delays.
