Discayas accuse lawmakers, DPWH officials of payoffs; seek witness protection

Metro Manila, Philippines - Contractors Curlee and Sarah Discaya have accused several members of the House of Representatives and officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) of demanding money in exchange for awarding government projects.

The Discayas, who testified during the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee’s third hearing on alleged ghost flood control projects on Monday, said they were victims of an entrenched kickback scheme.

In their sworn affidavit, the Discayas listed 17 lawmakers they claim solicited or received money in connection with flood control projects, including:

+ Cong. Roman Romulo (Pasig City)

+ Cong. Jojo Ang (Usbag Ilongo Partylist)

+ Cong. Patrick Michael Vargas (Quezon City)

+ Cong. Juan Carlos Arjo Atayde (Quezon City)

+ Cong. Nicanor “Nikki” Briones (Agap Partylist)

+ Cong. Marcelino “Marcy” Teodoro (Marikina)

+ Cong. Florida Robes (San Jose del Monte, Bulacan)

+ Cong. Leandro Jesus Madrona (Romblon)

+ Cong. Benjamin “Benjie” Agarao Jr. (Laguna)

+ Cong. Florencio Gabriel “Bem” Noel (An Waray Partylist)

+ Cong. Leody “Ode” Tariela (Occidental Mindoro)

+ Cong. Reynante “Reynan” Arrogancia (Quezon City)

+ Cong. Marvin Rillo (Quezon City)

+ Cong. Teodoro Jaresco (Aklan)

+ Cong. Antonieta Yudela (Zamboanga Sibugay)

+ Cong. Dean Asisio (Caloocan)

+ Cong. Marivic Co Pilar (Quezon City)

The Discayas also named several DPWH officials allegedly involved in the scheme, among them:

+ Regional Director Eduardo Virgilio (Region 5)

+ Director Ramon Ariola III (Unified Management UPMO)

+ District Engineer Henry Alcantara (Bulacan First)

+ Undersecretary Robert Bernardo

+ District Engineer Aristotle Ramos (Metro First, Pasig City)

+ District Engineer Manny Bulusan (North Manila DEO)

+ District Engineer Edgardo C. Pingol (Bulacan Sub-DEO)

+ District Engineer Michael Rosaria (Quezon Second DEO)

They further identified Terrence Calatrava, former Undersecretary in the Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas.

The Discayas asked for protection and support from the Senate, expressing willingness to testify as state witnesses.

“Paulit-ulit kaming ginamit ng mga nasa puwesto sa sistemang ito,” Curlee said.

[Translation: We were repeatedly used by those in power in this system.]

Senate Blue Ribbon Committee Chairperson Rodante Marcoleta noted the Discayas could be considered state witnesses, provided they are not deemed “the most guilty.”

NewsWatch Plus is seeking comments from the lawmakers and DPWH officials named in the sworn affidavit.

This is a developing story.