Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon revealed on Friday, October 3, that the Discayas cornered a staggering 1,214 flood control projects from 2016 to 2025, with a combined value close to ₱80 billion.
In a press briefing, Dizon stressed that the penalties awaiting the controversial contractors could far exceed their project earnings.
“1,214 flood control projects of Discaya from 2016 to 2025—it’s roughly close to ₱80 billion. Pero yari sila, mas malaki pa pala yung penalty nila (₱300 billion) doon sa contract amount na ‘yan,” Dizon said.
He explained that the maximum penalty could reach ₱250 million per contract, depending on the contract’s value.
Dizon also drew a stark comparison, pointing out that the Discayas’ contract haul nearly equaled the entire annual budget of the Department of Transportation (DOTr).
“Ganito lang—ang budget ng buong DOTr in 2025 ay ₱80 billion lang. So yung kontrata pa lang nina Discaya, mas malaki na kaysa budget ng DOTr for one year,” he added.
The Discayas—Curlee and Sarah—had earlier admitted receiving huge contracts for flood control projects, while also naming several DPWH officials and lawmakers allegedly involved in the kickback scheme. Among those implicated were former House Speaker and Leyte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co.
Currently, the Discayas, along with former DPWH officials Engr. Brice Hernandez, Engr. Henry Alcantara, Jaypee Mendoza, and former Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, are under the provisional coverage of the Witness Protection Program (WPP).