Senate Cites Curlee Discaya in Contempt Over False Testimony in Flood Control Probe

MANILA — The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee has officially cited contractor Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya II in contempt for allegedly lying about his wife Sarah Discaya’s absence from a hearing investigating anomalous flood control projects. The motion, initiated by Senator Raffy Tulfo and seconded by Senator Erwin Tulfo, was approved on Thursday.

During the hearing, Discaya claimed that Sarah was unable to attend due to a “heart condition” and cited her underlying health issues including diabetes and hypertension. However, this contradicted a letter Sarah sent to the committee in which she stated that her absence was due to a meeting with her employees, a meeting she said had been scheduled before the hearing date.

Senator Erwin Tulfo expressed frustration, saying, “Niloloko mo kami. You lied!” when Discaya’s explanations were reviewed. The apparent inconsistency in Discaya’s statements was a key factor in the committee’s decision to cite him in contempt.

Also cited in contempt was Henry Alcantara, former Bulacan first district engineer, for his insistence that he had no involvement in the so-called “ghost” flood control projects in Bulacan, despite allegations that these projects fell under his jurisdiction.

As a result of the contempt citations, both Discaya and Alcantara face detention, and will be turned over to the custody of the Senate and the Office of the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms.

Panel chair Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson led the proceedings. The probe into the flood control projects continues, with the Senate committee pushing to expose possible misrepresentations and irregularities.