Overview: A Widening Probe And a Withdrawal
The contractor couple at the center of a widening bribery scandal, known as Curlee and Sarah Discaya, have said they will no longer cooperate with the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) in its investigation of anomalous flood control projects. ICI Executive Director Brian Hosaka confirmed the development after the commission’s latest hearing, signaling a new phase in a case that has already implicated multiple firms and officials across the public works sector.
Hosaka explained that the Discayas, who gained notoriety for flaunting their wealth in interviews, invoked their right against self-incrimination and declined to appear or cooperate further with the ICI. He noted that their decision followed a media interview in which an ICI commissioner suggested that no one had yet qualified as a state witness. The Discayas asserted they were seeking favorable treatment in exchange for cooperation, a claim the commission senior officials said does not reflect the body’s policy or intentions.
Despite the withdrawal, Hosaka stressed that the investigation remains on track. He said the evidence already provided by the Discayas, including testimony and affidavits, remains valuable for building the case against others involved in irregular flood mitigation projects. He added that additional testimony from other resource persons could bolster the case and help the ICI connect disparate lines of inquiry.
Implications for the Investigation
The Discayas had previously acknowledged ownership of nine construction firms and admitted that some companies competed against each other for the same government projects, raising questions about procurement compliance. While their withdrawal removes a key witness from the process, the ICI indicates that the inquiry is not dependent on any single source of information.
Public reaction to the news has been mixed. Assistant Ombudsman Jose Dominic Clavano IV described the decision as misguided, arguing that cooperation with the government remains the most constructive path for public accountability. He urged the Discayas to reconsider and participate in the process, highlighting that collaboration serves the public interest.
Wider Legal and Administrative Context
In parallel with ICI proceedings, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has assembled substantial evidence related to ghost flood control projects. DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon said the department has enough material to build an airtight case against government employees and private contractors tied to 421 ghost projects. He indicated that the department will file both testimonial and documentary evidence with the ICI and pursue administrative and criminal actions where warranted.
DPWH has outlined a broad enforcement plan, including potential malversation charges, violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and breaches of the New Government Procurement Act. Dizon stressed that those found guilty could face dismissal, loss of professional licenses, and permanent blacklisting from future public works contracts. He noted that the scope of the investigation extends across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao and is expected to expand as more cases are validated.
Lookout Bulletins And Current Targets
As part of its broader strategy, the ICI has requested the Department of Justice issue immigration lookout bulletins (ILBOs) on 19 individuals connected to anomalous flood control and related projects. The list includes former lawmakers and DPWH officials whose actions could influence the fact-finding process. In recent days, high-profile testimonies, including appearances by former speaker and other officials, have kept the probe in the public eye while authorities pursue legal channels to hold culprits accountable.
The ICI’s ongoing work remains focused on parsing complex procurement and execution chains, aiming to trace misappropriated funds, forged documents, and governance gaps. By connecting diverse testimony and documentary evidence, the commission intends to identify those truly liable and to file cases where warranted.
Conclusion: Commitment to Accountability
While the Discayas’ withdrawal narrows a critical witness corridor, the ICI emphasizes that the investigation is not derailed. With a pipeline of additional testimony and a robust corpus of documented evidence, officials say they remain confident in eventually revealing the responsible parties and delivering justice for mismanaged flood-control initiatives.
