A Filipino couple has accused several Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials and lawmakers of demanding 10–25% cuts from government project funds in exchange for ensuring the smooth implementation of contracts.
During the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on anomalous flood control projects, Sarah and Curlee Discaya came forward with explosive claims.
“Nung una sinubukan naming labanan ito sa pamamagitan ng pagre-report sa DPWH at pagpapa-dyaryo ng mga tiwaling kawani ng gobyerno subalit hindi sila natitinag sa mga ito,” Sarah said in her testimony.
Curlee Discaya went further, naming the officials allegedly involved:
- Terrence Calatrava, former Undersecretary, Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas
- Pasig City Rep. Roman Romulo
- Quezon City Rep. Arjo Atayde
- Rep. Jojo Ang, Uswag Ilonggo Party-list
- Rep. Nicanor Briones, AGAP Party-list
- Quezon City Rep. PM Vargas
- Marikina City Rep. Marcy Teodoro
- San Jose del Monte, Bulacan Rep. Rida Robes
- Romblon Rep. Eleandro Madrona
- Laguna Rep. Benjie Agarao
- An-Waray Party-list Rep. Bem Noel
- Rep. Odie Tarriela
- Quezon Rep. Reynan Arrogancia
- Quezon City Rep. Marvin Rillo
- Aklan Rep. Teodoro Haresco Jr.
- Zamboanga Sibugay Rep. Antonieta Eudela
- Caloocan City Rep. Dean Asistio
- Quezon City Rep. Marivic Co-Pilar
The couple also implicated House Speaker Martin Romualdez and Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co.
“Karamihan sa mga kawani ng DPWH na nabanggit sa itaas ay paulit-ulit binabanggit ang delivery ng pera ay para sa kay Zaldy Co na dapat ay 25%,” Mr. Discaya stated.
He added, “Si Cong. Marvin Rillo naman ay ilang beses na binabanggit ang pangalan ni Speaker Martin Romualdez bilang kanyang malapit na kaibigan.”
According to him, he only heard the names of Romualdez and Co because DPWH contacts allegedly kept dropping them in conversations.
The Discayas have expressed willingness to serve as state witnesses against the accused officials.