Curlee Discaya required at Senate flood control probe

Metro Manila, Philippines - Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya II, one half of a controversial contractor couple who drew public outrage for their ostentatious display of wealth, has been subpoenaed to appear at the Senate’s next hearing on alleged anomalies in government flood control projects.

Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero approved the subpoena requested by Senate Blue Ribbon Committee Chairman Rodante Marcoleta, requiring Discaya to attend the panel’s third hearing on Monday, Sept. 8.

Discaya was summoned in his capacity as the authorized managing officer of Alpha and Omega General Contractor and Development Corporation, whose president is his wife, Sarah Discaya.

In an interview on Friday, Sept. 5, Cornelio Samaniego said his clients will both attend the next Senate probe.

This will be Curlee’s first time attending the inquiry, and Sarah’s second.

All nine construction companies owned by the Discayas have had their licenses revoked by the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board this week, following Sarah Discaya’s admission at the September 1 Senate hearing that their firms submitted bids for the same government projects — a violation of procurement laws.

Based on the subpoenas issued by Escudero on Thursday, the following contractors and public works officials are also required to appear in the next hearing:

• Darcy Kimel D.J. Respicio, general manager, Darcy & Anna Builders and Trading

• Sally N. Santos, owner/manager, SYMS Construction Trading

• Pacifico F. Discaya II, authorized managing officer, Alpha and Omega Gen. Contractor & Development Corporation

• Maritoni P. Melegrito, authorized managing officer, Elite General Contractor and Development Corporation

• Edgardo Saggum, owner/manager, Eddmari Construction and Trading

• Engr. Jaypee D. Mendoza, chief, construction division, Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office, DPWH

• Engr. Brice Ericson D. Hernandez, former assistant district engineer, Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office, DPWH

• Engr. Juanito C. Mendoza, accountant III, Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office, DPWH

Escudero also signed a subpoena directing the Commission on Audit to submit its fraud audit highlights on the Department of Public Works and Highways’ flood control projects, along with the responses of those involved.

NewsWatch Plus correspondent Lance Mejico contributed to this report.