Ched Rick Gatchalian

Article (news)

Discayas name 8 former and current lawmakers, undersecretaries in flood control ledger

Victoria Tulad

ABS-CBN News

<p>MANILA — Contractor couple Sarah and Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya on Friday named six current and former congressmen and two former undersecretaries when they brought eight pages of their ledger that allegedly contain their transactions on anomalous flood control projects.</p><p>Curlee Discaya named the following lawmakers and former government officials:</p><p>- Pasig City Representative Roman Romulo </p><p>- Former Representative Marvin Rillo </p><p>- Caloocan Representative Dean Asistio </p><p>- Quezon City 5th District Representative Patrick Vargas </p><p>- Quezon City 6th District Representative Ma. Victoria Co-Pilar </p><p>- Uswag Ilonggo Party List Rep. James “Jojo” Ang</p><p>- Former Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Undersecretary Terence Calatrava </p><p>- Former Department of Public Works and Highways Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo</p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/11/14/senators-press-discaya-couple-where-is-alleged-payoff-ledger-1318">Senators press Discaya couple: Where is alleged payoff ledger?</a></div><p>In the case of Bernardo, Discaya said the kickback was given to Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) District Engineer Manny Bulusan.</p><p>“I have to match with my records. Because pagka po ako ay mayroong ganyan, as I stated earlier, mayroon po akong proponent. Mayroon pong project na katumbas yan,” Bernardo said. “Considering that it was given to Bulusan, I will have to ano with Bulusan.”</p><p>The Discayas originally wanted to disclose the information from their ledger in an executive session or closed door meeting, but Blue Ribbon Committee Chairman and Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson did not let them.</p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/9/8/disacayas-says-corrupt-officials-used-them-in-anomalous-bidding-1114">Discaya couple says lawmakers, DPWH execs &#x27;used&#x27; them in flood control anomalies</a></div><p>Lacson also told the Discayas that Mr. Discaya will be allowed to go back to their house to retrieve the rest of the ledger. The Discayas only brought a portion of it, saying they will run out of time if they get everything.</p><div> </div><div><strong>ZALDY CO</strong></div><p>Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, meanwhile, said the excuse letter of former Ako Bicol Party List Representative Zaldy Co is unacceptable considering that it is dated January 23, 2025.</p><p>“I consulted our Senate doctor at ang unang sabi niya rin sa akin o sa amin, sa team ho namin, ay outdated na rin itong medical records. At pangalawa, based sa kanyang analysis, wala ho ditong nakasulat na karamdaman na nagsasabing hindi siya ho pwedeng dumalo,” Gatchalian said.</p><p>He also asked Bernardo how unprogrammed appropriations are tapped to fund flood control projects.</p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/11/14/lacson-says-zaldy-co-s-corruption-claims-lack-weight-without-oath-1903">Lacson says Zaldy Co’s corruption claims lack weight without oath</a></div><p>Bernardo said the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) tells the DPWH if unprogrammed funds are already available. They are then prompted to submit letters of request.</p><p>Bernardo said he does not know which DBM official or personnel advises DPWH.</p><p>Lacson pointed out that P30.8 billion of the 2024 unprogrammed funds was allocated for flood control projects.</p><div> </div><div><strong>GHOST PROJECTS</strong></div><p>Asked for an update on the number of ghost flood control projects, DPWH Undersecretary Arthur Bisnar said another 52 were discovered from the field validation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) of 10,075 flood control projects.</p><p>This brings the number of ghost projects to 472 from 420 last October.</p><p>Fadullon mentioned that they are currently evaluating a case involving a proponent. They hope to finish this within the Christmas season.</p>

<p>Contractor couple Sarah and Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya named six current and former congressmen and two former undersecretaries when they brought eight pages of their ledger that allegedly contain their transactions on anomalous flood control projects.</p>

Contractor couple Sarah and Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya named six current and former congressmen and two former undersecretaries when they brought eight pages of their ledger that allegedly contain their transactions on anomalous flood control projects.