Discaya couple expose lawmakers, DPWH officials in alleged kickback scheme

Contractors Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya II and his wife, Cezarah Rowena “Sarah” Discaya accused several lawmakers and officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) of demanding hefty kickbacks from government projects.

The Discayas, owners of St. Gerrard Construction and Alpha and Omega General Contractor and Development Corp., detailed their claims before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on September 8, citing a sworn statement.

They alleged that legislators and DPWH engineers required 10 to 25 percent of project funds in cash to guarantee the smooth release of contracts.

“Ang hinihingi nilang porsyento ay hindi bababa sa 10 percent at umaabot pa sa 25 percent,” the couple said in their sworn statement.

Among those named were Pasig Rep. Roman Romulo, Quezon City Rep. Marvin Rillo, Uswag Ilonggo Rep. Jojo Ang, Quezon City Rep. Arjo Atayde, and several other members of the House of Representatives. 

The Discayas also identified DPWH officials, including regional directors and district engineers, who allegedly acted as collectors for lawmakers.

The couple claimed that many DPWH personnel justified the collections by saying the money was for Albay Rep. Zaldy Co, while others invoked ties to Speaker Martin Romualdez.

They said that resisting the scheme often led to disqualification in biddings, termination of contracts, or sudden right-of-way problems that stalled implementation.

“Hindi naming ginusto kailanman na mapasama sa ganitong sistema, pero kailangan naming magpatuloy para sa pamilya at mga empleyado,” they said.

The couple emphasized that despite the alleged kickbacks, their firm never engaged in ghost projects, insisting that all of their awarded works passed DPWH inspections.

The Discayas declared their readiness to testify as state witnesses “upang gawin ang tama” and sought protection from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee led by Sen. Rodante Marcoleta.

As of press time, the lawmakers and DPWH officials mentioned have yet to respond to the allegations.