Contractor Curlee Discaya II named at least 17 lawmakers and eight officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways whom he accused of soliciting money for government infrastructure projects.
Curlee said he and his wife Sara recorded in a ledger the commissions they paid in cash as they expressed willingness to testify as state witnesses in exchange for “the protection and security of our family.”
“We had no choice because if we didn’t cooperate, they would create problems for the project awarded to us through mutual termination or right-of-way issues, both of which would prevent the project from being implemented. After we won the bidding, some DPWH officials approached us to ask for and take their share of the project amount,” Curlee said during Monday’s Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing.
State witness? Return monies first
For his part, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said a basic requirement for the Discayas to be considered as state witnesses in the flood-control projects probe is for the couple to return any ill-gotten funds.
“The first principle that we will apply is: Did they get money that should be returned to the republic? That is always the first condition, right? You don’t walk off laughing at the system because you enriched yourself and got away with the crime,” he said.
“You must give it back to the state where it rightfully belongs before you can even be considered for immunity. We have to work under those premises,” Remulla added.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro, in a press briefing in Cambodia, said the Discayas must not be selective in their narrative even as she said the government is open to granting witnesses protection.
“Witness who really have knowledge of the facts and data on this issue really need protection and the government will not deny them that,” Castro said.
“But we need to hear the complete story. They might be selective in their revelations,” she added.
25% commission
Curlee claimed lawmakers demanded as much as 25 percent in commission.
“That became a condition to ensure the contract’s implementation would not be hindered,” he added.
The lawmakers in the Discayas joint testimony are as follows: Pasig Rep. Roman Romulo; Uswag Ilonggo party-list Rep. Jojo Ang; Quezon City representatives Patrick Michael Vargas, Arjo Atayde, Marvin Rillo, and Marivic Co-Pilar of Quezon City; AGAP party-list Rep. Nicanor Briones; Marikina Rep. Marcy Teodoro; Romblon Rep. Eleandro Jesus Madrona; Caloocan Rep. Dean Asistio; Quezon province Rep. Reynante Arrogancia; Occidental Mindoro Rep. Leody Tarriela, Laguna Rep. Benjamin Agarao Jr., Zamboanga Sibugay Rep. Antonieta Eudela; and former lawmakers Teodoro Haresco of Aklan, Florencio Noel of An-waray party-list and Rep. Florida Robes of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan.
Curlee alleged that Agarao, Briones, Eudela, Madrona, Noel, and Rillo personally collected their commissions, while Atayde would send his father. The rest would send other people to collect, Curlee said, adding that he has their contact numbers and can identify them by face.
He also claimed DPWH officials would name-drop Ako-Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co while Rillo would use the name of Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Malicious lies
Romualdez, for his part, said on Monday strongly denied allegations raised during the Senate hearing, branding them as lies and malicious name-dropping meant to smear his integrity and undermine the House of Representatives.
“I cannot and will not allow lies and name-dropping to pass unchecked,” Romualdez said.
“The claim in the Discaya couple’s affidavit that my name was used for commissions is false, malicious, and nothing more than name-dropping. Let me be clear: I have nothing to do with it, I have never allowed, I did not authorize such irregular transactions and wrongdoings.”
“If anyone invoked my name, they did so without my knowledge and without my consent. And if they did that for money, they are the ones who are dishonest and so they should be held accountable,” the Speaker added.
He likewise reiterated that the House of Representatives only approves the budget and plays no role in releasing funds or implementing projects, including those carried out by the DPWH.
“Congress debates and approves the budget. It does not release funds. It does not implement projects. That is the sole duty of the Executive and agencies like the DPWH,” Romualdez said.
“And I say this with all honesty: I have never, and I will never, accept a bribe from anybody… The entire House members know it… I do not need—and will never allow myself—to be corrupted by money that does not belong to me,” he added.
Legal steps mulled
Lawmakers in the joint affidavit of the Discayas have also denied accusations of requesting a commission and have threatened to take legal action against the contractors.
Co said: “I vehemently deny all the baseless and irresponsible accusations made against me during the Senate hearing held (Monday). These unsubstantiated claims, which attempt to implicate me are not only hearsay but are also politically motivated designed to mislead the public and deflect accountability.”
Co, who served as chairman of the House committee on appropriations during the 19th Congress, said the 2025 GAA was certified and approved by both houses of Congress and signed by the President.
“As mentioned during the Senate hearing, the President even vetoed some provisions and withheld the release of funds for projects,” he said.
Romulo said he was “never” involved in any bidding processes for contractors for DPWH projects.
“[I]t is quite clear that these accusations are an attempt to divert attention, shift blame, and evade accountability for matters within their own responsibility…I challenge my accusers to present clear and solid evidence,” he said in a statement.
Vargas said the Discayas have no project in his district. “I will file a case against them for this blatant lie. My track record speaks for itself.”
Teodoro also said he is planning to take legal action against the Discaya couple.
“With this, I am now contemplating on filing charges against the Discaya’s for lying and for trying to besmirch my good reputation. I am planning to file a perjury case because they made false testimony in a legislative hearing and while they are under oath,” the Marikina lawmaker said.
Robes and Arrogancia also announced their intention to file a complaint against Curlee Discaya.
Madrona denied receiving kickbacks from flood control projects in his province but admitted he visited the Discayas to request a donation for the Church.
“I strongly deny the accusation mentioned by Curlee Discaya that I was part of the group demanding money from them. I did not demand anything from them. My visit was solely to request a donation for the Church,” he said.
Atayde, in a statement on his Instagram account, categorically denied getting kickbacks from any contractor.
“I will avail of all remedies under the law to clear my name and hold accountable those who spread these falsehoods,” he said.
Agarao also clarified that the Discayas do not have projects in his district.
