Ombudsman files charges vs. Discayas, DPWH officials

The Office of the Ombudsman on Thursday filed graft and malversation charges before the Bulacan Regional Trial Court against couple Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya and Cezarah Rowena “Sarah” Discaya, along with several officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), over alleged irregularities in a flood control project in Calumpit, Bulacan.

Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said the case stemmed from findings that the transaction led to “unwarranted benefits amounting to ₱53 million” in favor of the Discayas’ construction firm.

“The findings of the Ombudsman reveal an utter and flagrant violation for government accounting and auditing regulations, specifically, investigators discovered that payment for the project’s first billing was released despite an unapproved disbursement voucher,” Clavano said during a press briefing.

He added that full payment for dredging and embankment works was released even without proper supporting documents or proof of project completion.

The complaint was formally filed by Clavano with the Clerk of Court, together with Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon.

Also named in the case were officials of the DPWH–Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office, including Merg Jaron Laus, Brice Ericson Hernandez, Jaypee Mendoza, Ernesto Galang, Norberto Santos, Lorenzo Pagtalunan, Juanito Mendoza, and Floralyn Simbulan, as well as Ma. Roma Angeline Rimando of St. Timothy Construction Corporation.

Records show that Curlee Discaya has been under Senate custody since September 2025 after being cited in contempt by the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, while Sarah Discaya is currently detained at the Lapu-Lapu City Jail Female Dormitory in Mactan, Cebu.

Sarah is also facing non-bailable graft and malversation charges in connection with a separate ₱96.5-million alleged ghost flood control project in Davao.