The Office of the Ombudsman issued a sharp rebuke to contractor Pacifico "Curlee" Discaya on Monday, January 19, 2026, after he claimed to feel "robbed" by the government's demand for restitution linked to the multi-billion-peso flood control anomaly.
Ombudsman, DPWH Chief Condemn 'Absurd' Claim
In a strongly worded statement, Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano emphasized that the return of allegedly stolen public funds constitutes accountability, not extortion. He directly addressed Discaya's controversial remarks made during a Senate hearing.
"When the funds for flood control disappeared, it wasn't just money that was lost, it was the safety of Filipinos," Clavano stated. "That's why it is wrong and a big absurdity to call the return of what was stolen 'theft.' The people were the first to be robbed."
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon echoed the sentiment, lambasting Discaya's audacity. "They should return it because they stole the people's money," Dizon said. "I even heard him say that it was as if they were the ones who were robbed. This Curlee Discaya really has a lot of nerve."
Senate Hearing Reveals Stance on Witness Protection
The exchange occurred during the resumption of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee's public inquiry into anomalous flood control projects. The hearing featured a heated discussion between Senator Rodante Marcoleta and Prosecutor General Richard Fadullon regarding restitution as a potential requirement for the Department of Justice's Witness Protection Program (WPP).
It was in this context that Discaya voiced his objection. "Your Honor, regarding how much we will restitute... I, for one, cannot say the amount because, to me, it feels like we were the ones who were robbed," Discaya told the committee. "It's like a modern-day theft."
Prosecutor General Fadullon clarified that the Discayas' WPP application cannot be processed because they have refused to coordinate with the DOJ since November. "They are not coordinating with the department, so they cannot be given the proper protection," Fadullon explained.
Billions in Contracts and Ongoing Legal Woes
The Discaya couple owns two of the 15 construction firms that secured the most flood control projects from the government between 2022 and 2025. During this period, firms linked to them bagged approximately P31 billion worth of government infrastructure contracts.
The legal pressure on the couple is mounting. Sarah Discaya, Pacifico's wife, is currently detained in Cebu in connection with an anomalous P96.5 million "ghost" flood control project in Davao Occidental.
As the Senate investigation continues, government officials maintain a firm stance: returning public money is a non-negotiable step toward justice for the Filipino people whose safety was compromised by the alleged anomaly.
