Discaya couple faces P300-B penalties for alleged contract rigging

Construction magnates Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya and Cezarah Rowena “Sarah” Discaya could face up to ₱300 billion in fines for allegedly rigging more than 1,200 flood-control contracts since 2016, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) announced Friday.

DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon said firms owned by the couple, including St. Timothy Construction Corp., cornered 1,214 contracts worth ₱77.934 billion. If bid manipulation is proven, the Discayas face an initial ₱110-million fine plus ₱250 million for each subsequent violation, a penalty far greater than the project values.

The DPWH has filed 12 bid-rigging cases before the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC), two of which directly implicate the Discayas. 

Other respondents include companies linked to Mar and Alla Arevalo, Robert Imperio, Sally Santos, and resigned Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co.

Dizon said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed the agency to hold all those involved accountable and ensure stolen funds are returned to the national treasury.

At the same time, the DPWH asked the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) to revoke the licenses of 20 engineers, including former Bulacan District Engineer Henry Alcantara, for their alleged involvement in anomalous projects.