DPWH seeks to implead Curlee Discaya in Davao Occidental ghost flood project graft case

In the latest development in the P96.5 million ghost flood control project scandal in Davao Occidental—where Sarah Discaya was arrested in December 2025—the Department of Public Works and Highways has requested to include her husband, contractor Pacifico 'Curlee' Discaya, in the criminal charges. Unlike Sarah, who remains detained, Curlee is under Senate custody. Investigators allege he is the 'beneficial owner' of St. Timothy Construction Corporation, which secured the contract.

Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano revealed on February 16, 2026, that affidavits indicate Discaya exercises control over St. Timothy Construction, the firm awarded the contract for the Barangay Culaman project on January 22, 2022. Despite no construction occurring, DPWH certified it as completed, allowing payment.

DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon filed a manifestation with the Office of the Ombudsman to implead Curlee in complaints lodged on December 5, 2025, at the Digos City Regional Trial Court. Other respondents include detained Sarah Discaya, DPWH officials like district engineer Rodrigo Larete and assistant Michael Awa, and St. Timothy's Ma. Roma Angeline Rimando.

Charges cite violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (RA 3019) and malversation via falsified documents. Due process requires giving Discaya a chance to respond before adding him as an accused, Clavano noted. This expands probes into flood control project corruption.

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Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla at a press conference revealing investigation into 30 DPWH flood control scandal cases, with documents and officials in a government setting.
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Ombudsman probes 30 DPWH cases in flood control scandal

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The Office of the Ombudsman has placed around 30 cases involving the Department of Public Works and Highways under preliminary investigation amid allegations of anomalies in flood control projects. Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla announced the development on November 4, 2025, as part of a broader government crackdown. A new task force will also examine projects linked to the Villar family.

Following her voluntary surrender earlier amid public criticism, super contractor Sarah Discaya was formally arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation on Thursday night, December 18, over an alleged P96.5-million ghost flood control project in Davao Occidental. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. confirmed warrants also cover nine others facing non-bailable graft and malversation charges, while eight Department of Public Works and Highways officials plan to surrender.

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Sarah Discaya, arrested last week over a P96.5-million 'ghost' flood control project in Davao Occidental, faces arraignment on graft and malversation charges on January 13, 2025, before a Cebu court. Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto has accused her camp of intimidating potential witnesses amid broader corruption concerns.

Repeated insinuations of Rep. Martin Romualdez's involvement in the flood control controversy should end following contractor Curlee Discaya's declaration that the former speaker has no connection to it. Rep. Jude Acidre described Discaya's denial as a welcome development that highlights the need for evidence-based discourse to curb unfounded allegations. Discaya remains detained at the Senate over his alleged links to the issue.

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The Department of Justice has decided to file two tax evasion cases against Sarah and Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya for violations of the National Internal Revenue Code in 2020 and 2021. It also dismissed three other complaints against them due to lack of evidence or expiration of the prescription period. These actions are part of a broader investigation into their flood control projects.

A criminology expert appeals to prosecutors to use Department Circular No. 20 to actively investigate and convict corrupt officials in flood control projects. This is part of broader efforts against infrastructure corruption that has caused significant harm to Filipinos' lives. Such action is crucial to break the cycle of impunity.

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President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the Department of Public Works and Highways and the Independent Commission for Infrastructure to hand over all evidence from their probe into anomalous flood control projects to the Ombudsman. This accompanies the agencies' recommendation to file plunder, graft, and bribery charges against former House Speaker Martin Romualdez and former congressman Zaldy Co. The Ombudsman's decision will be based on evidence from contracts and testimonies.

 

 

 

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