Ombudsman Intensifies Probe into Ghost Flood-Control Projects
The Ombudsman of the Philippines, Jesus Crispin C. Remulla, stated that contractor spouses Curlee and Sarah Discaya should undergo a “reality check” as authorities pursue charges related to ghost and substandard flood-control projects. Remulla conveyed the expectation that the Discaya couple, who own Alpha and Omega Construction and St. Gerrard Construction Corporation, will face imprisonment due to their alleged involvement in the controversial infrastructure work.
In a candid interview on the radio program Saksi sa Dobol B, Remulla addressed the couple’s decision to stop cooperating with the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) on its flood-control probe. He emphasized that their withdrawal from cooperation does not derail the ongoing investigation, and that other witnesses will continue to be scrutinized as part of the case. The government’s pursuit of accountability remains unchanged whatever the Discayas decide about their role as state witnesses.
Remulla underscored that the Discaya spouses are not the only potential witnesses in the sprawling probe. He signaled that it remains unlikely they will be spared imprisonment, given the scope of alleged irregularities in the flood-control projects and the broader evidence already in hand.
As options for the Discayas, Remulla suggested they could enter a plea bargaining agreement with the government or opt for a “complete restitution and tell-all” that might lead to exceptional immunity. Plea bargaining involves admitting guilt to a lesser offense in exchange for a reduced penalty, a path Remulla linked to past cases where such agreements altered outcomes for involved officials or contractors.
To illustrate his point, Remulla recalled the case of retired Maj. Gen. Carlos F. Garcia, the former AFP comptroller, who faced plunder and anti-money laundering charges but ultimately accepted a plea deal. By pleading guilty to lesser offenses such as direct bribery and facilitating money laundering, Garcia received a sentence of four to eight years in prison, alongside substantial monetary penalties. Remulla highlighted this example to convey that plea bargaining can shape verdicts in high-profile corruption matters, though each case carries its own legal nuances.
What This Means for the Discaya Couple
Remulla’s remarks suggest a path forward where transparency could influence potential outcomes. The Discayas reportedly remained selective in what they divulge to investigators, a pattern Remulla characterized as not fully cooperative. When questioned about dealings with CLTG Builders in Davao City, the couple claimed limited knowledge and stated that their company licenses were used for infrastructure work rather than to conceal activities. Such assertions, according to the Ombudsman, may be weighed against the broader evidentiary record as investigators seek to determine accountability for ghost contracts and substandard flood-control projects.
The broader stakes involve accountability in public works and the integrity of construction projects that affect flood management nationwide. Remulla’s insistence that the investigation will proceed unabated reflects a sustained government emphasis on uncovering corruption and ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice, regardless of a witness’s willingness to cooperate.
A Call for Truth-Telling
Throughout the remarks, Remulla urged the Discaya couple and others involved to act as truth-tellers when engaging with government investigators. “The government needs to talk to truth-tellers,” he stated in reiterating the value of full disclosure for a fair and thorough resolution. The interview framed a broader discussion about how plea bargaining and restitution can intersect with public accountability and the pursuit of justice in cases involving complex infrastructure schemes.
As the probe continues, observers will be watching to see how the Discaya spouses’ choices—whether to pursue plea bargaining, restoration, or full cooperation—affect not only their own legal trajectories but also the wider effort to reform and sanitize flood-control programs in the country.
