House members hit Discaya accusation on flood control mess, to file charges

Metro Manila, Philippines - House lawmakers slammed contractor couple Curlee and Sarah Discaya who name dropped legislators in the flood control scandal.

In a Senate hearing on Monday, Sept. 8, the Discayas named House members who allegedly solicited from them in exchange for Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) projects.

The couple added that the money eventually ended up at House Speaker Martin Romualdez and former appropriations panel chairman Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co.

The lawmakers rejected the accusations in separate statements.

Calling the affidavit “malicious,” Romualdez said he cannot be bribed.

“I say this with all honesty: I have never, and I will never, accept a bribe from anybody... I am self-made, and I have been blessed with the trust of the Filipino people. I do not need - and will never allow myself - to be corrupted by money that does not belong to me,” Romualdez said.

Co said the claims lacked evidence and were “irresponsible.”

“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,” he said.

Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco earlier accused Co of inserting ₱13 billion in projects during the closed-door bicameral conference committee.

For Pasig Rep. Roman Romulo and Marikina Mayor Marcy Teodoro, the accusations were diversionary tactics.

“It is quite clear that these accusations are nothing more than an attempt to divert attention, shift blame, and evade accountability for matters properly within their responsibility,” said Romulo, ally of Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto, who defeated Sarah Discaya in the mayoral race.

“In fact, ang mga DPWH projects na napunta sa mga Discaya ay bago pa ako maupo bilang congressman - around 2020 or 2021, hindi 2022 pataas. Wala akong kinalaman doon dahil hindi pa ako congressman noon,” Teodoro said.

[Translation: In fact, the DPWH projects were awarded to the Discayas even before I sat as a congressman - around 2020 or 2021, not 2022 onwards. I have no hand in that because I was not a congressman yet.]

Quezon City Reps. Arjo Atayde, Ma. Victoria Co-Pilar, and Patrick Michael Vargas also insisted that they have not engaged with the Discayas.

“I have never used my position for personal gain, and I never will. I will avail of all remedies under the law to clear my name and hold accountable those who spread these falsehoods,” Atayde said.

“Mukhang may political agenda ang pagdawit sa aking pangalan. Tama ba ang listahan ni Discaya?” Co-Pilar asked.

[Translation: There seems to be a political agenda in dragging my name. Is the list of the Discayas correct?]

“Walang project ang mga Discaya sa district natin kailanman [The Discayas have no project in our district]. Zero. This is confirmed and certified,” Vargas said.

Representatives from the provinces who were tagged questioned the accusation.

“To my recollection, wala akong project sa kanya, so anong basehan ng sinabi niyang pag bigay niya sa akin? I heard he bidded on projects sa aming budget sa Romblon pero I have no hand and knowledge on how he pays those involved!” Romblon Rep. Eleandro Madrona said.

[Translation: To my recollection, he does not have a project with me. So what is the basis of his claim that he gave something to me? I heard he bidded on projects in Romblon but I have no hand and knowledge on how he pays those involved!]

“Hindi po yan totoo. Wala po silang proyekto sa aking distrito,” Laguna Rep. Benjamin Agarao Jr. said.

“Kitang-kita naman ng marami kung gaano na kaganda ang San Jose del Monte ngayon. Walang ghost project dito at pang-world class ang aming mga infrastructure,” San Jose del Monte, Bulacan Mayor and former Bulacan Rep. Florida Robes said.

[Translation: Many can see how beautiful San Jose del Monte is now. There are no ghost projects here and our infrastructures are world class.]

“Ang pagtukoy at pagpapapondo ng malalaking national government projects tulad ng flood control ay trabaho ng DPWH Regional o National Office, at hindi ng congressman,” said Occidental Mindoro Rep. Leody Tarriela.

[Translation: The identification and funding of large national government projects such as flood control is the job of the DPWH Regional or National Office, and not the congressman.]

Uswag Ilonggo party-list Rep. Jojo Ang Jr. called on the public to be vigilant and focus on facts.

“I am one with the people in exacting accountability from those responsible for robbing our people of their hard-earned taxes and eroding the integrity of our institutions. We should all be guided by the truth and the rule of law,” Ang said.

Some of the legislators said they will file cases against the Discayas for tainting their reputation.