Metro Manila, Philippines – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has found contractor Curlee Discaya possibly liable in the non-existent flood control project in Davao Occidental – the same case where his wife is facing graft and malversation charges, the Office of the Ombudsman said on Monday, Feb. 16.

Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano disclosed the agency’s fresh submissions after Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon revealed in a press briefing that he has submitted new names in the case: the P96.5-million flood control project contracted by St. Timothy Construction Corp., which the government found non-existent.

The ombudsman earlier filed graft and non-bailable malversation charges against Sarah Discaya and nine others in December.

Clavano said based on affidavits the ombudsman received, Curlee appeared to have beneficial ownership from the companies in the project.

He said the affidavits were from people who are in the know on St. Timothy.

“Sila po ay umuutos o nagbibigay ng instruction sa mga tao doon sa kumpanya, exercising dominion over the company essential. So kahit wala po sila sa papel, they are the ultimate beneficial owners of the company,” he said in a press briefing on Monday, Feb. 16.

[Translation: They are the ones giving orders or instructions to the people in the company, exercising essential control or dominion over it. So even if they are not listed on paper, they are the ultimate beneficial owners of the company.]

Clavano said Curlee will now be part of the ombudsman’s preliminary investigation.

The contractor has been detained at the Senate since September after he was cited in contempt for lying in the flood control scandal inquiry.