MANILA – What began as an inquiry into one contractor’s alleged irregularities has now widened into a full-blown investigation that could entangle some of the country’s most influential political families.
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla on Thursday revealed that the probe into the construction firm owned by contractor couple Pacifico “Curlee” and Sarah Discaya has expanded to include possible links to Sen. Mark Villar and former senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr.
Remulla said the Discayas’ company, St. Gerrard Construction, grew rapidly during Villar’s tenure as secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) under the Duterte administration.
“Nung secretary si Mark doon sila lumaki, doon sila nakakuha ng napakaraming projects,” Remulla said. “Hindi pwedeng hindi alam ni Mark ‘yan.”
While clarifying that no direct evidence has yet linked Sen. Cynthia Villar to the case, Remulla noted that the Discayas appeared to have sought political favor from the Villar family during that period.
“Wala pa akong direct evidence diyan pero knowing the Discayas became very big during that time, they sought favor with these people,” he added.
The Ombudsman also disclosed that investigators are reviewing public works contracts allegedly connected to Sen. Bong Revilla’s sister, identified as Princess Revilla, also known as Rebecca B. Ocampo.
“Kapatid niya kasi yung contractor nila eh. Kapatid niya, si Princess Revilla, aka Rebecca B. Ocampo… Siya ang contractor ng lahat ng projects nila,” Remulla said.
“You’re talking about Bong, Lani and the children. Kasama lahat ‘yan. Mabigat ‘yan.”
The Ombudsman’s office is coordinating with the Department of Public Works and Highways to scrutinize contracts awarded to firms tied to the Discayas and their associates, as part of what Remulla called a broader effort to dismantle “politically protected cartels” in government infrastructure projects./PN
