MANILA – Contractor Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya claimed that more than 150 government officials, including lawmakers, were involved in alleged kickback schemes tied to flood control projects, as he accused politicians of abandoning him after benefiting from the transactions.
In a statement, Discaya alleged that he had been silenced through his detention and warned that he could identify more public officials whom he claims were connected to the controversy.
“Mga politikong manggagamit! Ginamit at pinabayaan nila ako! Ipinakulong ako dito sa Senado para mabusalan ang bibig ko! Ngayon wala na ako sa Senado, marami pa akong papangalanang politiko! Damay-damay na lahat,” Discaya said.
He described the alleged beneficiaries of the projects as “greedy crocodiles” and accused them of exploiting contractors while enriching themselves through government-funded infrastructure programs.
Discaya also issued an apology to the public, saying he and his associates had allowed themselves to be used by individuals in positions of power.
“Humihingi ng tawad sa tao na nagpagamit kami sa mga may hawak ng kapangyarihan. Yes, big fish siguro kami, pero hindi kami buwaya or big crocodile. Magkaibang anyo ng hayop ‘yun,” he said.
Despite the allegations surrounding the projects, Discaya maintained that the contracts undertaken by his company were legitimate and properly implemented.
“Dahil wala kaming ghost project at substandard project, tinupad namin nang maayos kung ano ang nakasaad sa kontrata ng 100% at may insurance warranty bond na puwedeng habulin upang hindi malugi ang gobyerno,” he added.
Discaya said he had chosen to speak out despite the consequences, claiming that powerful figures were attempting to suppress information about the alleged scheme.
“Sana sa umpisa pa lang sinabi n’yo na ayaw n’yo ng katotohanan. Kung alam ko lang na ganito ang aming sasapitin, hindi na sana ako nagpangalan pa. Pero mas pinili pa rin namin na tumindig sa katotohanan at wakasan na ang panggagamit sa amin ng mga nasa kapangyarihan na mga malalaking buwaya na walang kabusugan,” he said.
Discaya’s statement came shortly after authorities arrested him following his release from Senate custody.
He is now under the custody of the Philippine National Police – Criminal Investigation and Detection Group after a Regional Trial Court in Malolos, Bulacan issued a warrant of arrest against him and his wife, Sarah Discaya, in connection with a non-bailable malversation case involving alleged irregularities in flood control projects.
Authorities said Discaya is expected to be presented before the court that issued the warrant as legal proceedings against him continue./PN
