Discaya-Owned Firms Under Probe for P2.4-B NBI Building Contract

Two construction firms owned by Sarah and Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya have come under scrutiny for their involvement in the P2.4-billion National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) headquarters project in Manila, Department of Justice (DOJ) officials confirmed this week. The firms St. Gerrard Construction General Contractor & Development Corporation and Way Maker OPC were revealed to have been awarded the contract via the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

NBI Director Jaime Santiago announced that the DOJ’s newly-formed task force investigating alleged corruption and bid-rigging in government infrastructure projects will include the NBI headquarters among its cases. Santiago said that although he is not yet alleging wrongdoing, the minimal visible progress of the building, and the possibility of substandard materials, spurred the probe.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, in turn, said that the licenses of the Discaya-owned companies have been revoked by the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB), raising questions about how the contract was awarded and whether the companies can continue work. If the firms are unable to proceed legally, Remulla said, consideration will be given to finding other contractors to take over the project.

Further investigations include reviewing the contract’s provisions—particularly whether there is a clause allowing the replacement of subcontractors, and verifying progress billing against actual accomplishments. DOJ Undersecretary Jesse Andres said financial experts, accountants, and prosecutors will examine whether money laundering or other irregularities may have occurred.

The controversy follows broader allegations involving Discaya-affiliated firms in flood control contracts worth over P30 billion, many of which are under government review. In September 2025, PCAB revoked the licenses of nine contractors linked to the Discayas for alleged bid-rigging in flood control works.

As the NBI building is expected to be completed in 2026 groundbreaking took place in May 2023 authorities are also assessing whether the timeline and construction quality are still being met under lawful conditions.