Protesters vandalize gate of Discaya firm linked to flood control scandal

Metro Manila, Philippines - Protesters on Thursday, Sept. 4, vandalized the gate of the business compound of the Discayas, one of the top contractors in government projects, and demanded accountability in the flood control scandal.

Members of environmental group Kalikasan and the People Surge National Alliance of Disaster Survivors trooped to the St. Gerrard Construction building in Pasig City and threw mud at the gate.

They sprayed graffiti on the firm’s logo and defaced the gate with the word “magnanakaw ikulong [jail the thief],” and shouted: “Sarah Discaya, magnanakaw!” 

The Discayas were identified as among the top contractors who cornered billions of flood control projects over the last three years — the subject of an audit ordered by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

The licenses of nine construction companies owned or controlled by the Discaya family have been revoked following the businesswoman’s admission in the Senate that these groups would sometimes bid for the same government projects. 

“Every peso pocketed by the Discayas and corrupt politicians translates to another family submerged in floodwaters, another farmer’s livelihood destroyed, another community displaced,” the groups said in their statement.

“The government itself has become a disaster - turning public funds meant for protection and resilience into cash cows for plunder,” they added.

Malacañang said Marcos had directed law enforcement agencies to prevent unrest.

On the other hand, the protesters said their actions were “legitimate and just.”

‘’Calm’ is a slap in the face to the flood victims and survivors whose homes, livelihoods, and lives are washed away by criminal neglect and corruption,” they said in another statement.

Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto said he understood the anger and frustration, but he also called for calm as he was concerned about collateral damage. 

“[L]et's not resort to violence or acts that could potentially lead to violence or injuries,” Sotto wrote on Facebook.

“Don't feel hopeless… the momentum is on the right side now!!!” he said.

Sotto urged the public to continue the fight for accountability, stronger institutions, and the rule of law, but stressed there are no shortcuts.

He said the Pasig government continues to investigate questionable government projects.

Meanwhile, in an interview on Friday, Sept. 5, Cornelio Samaniego said the Discayas will file criminal complaints against the protesters who vandalized their compound.

The complaints, which have yet to be filed before the Pasig fiscal’s office, include malicious mischief, vandalism, unjust vexation, and alarms and scandal.

NewsWatch Plus correspondent Lance Mejico contributed to this report.