DOJ, NBI to invite senators, ex-solon named in flood-control scam

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) will "invite" lawmakers implicated by contractors Curlee and Sarah Discaya, who are accused of involvement in corruption tied to government flood-control projects.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla told reporters Monday, September 29, the agency is verifying the couple’s statements before issuing official summons.

“We will invite them first, and we will let the (National Bureau of Investigation) invite them. If they don’t show up, we will let the NBI subpoena them,” Remulla said.

He added the DOJ needs to validate the information for a proper case buildup. “It’s a process that we have to follow,” he said.

On September 8, the couple named at least 17 lawmakers who allegedly accepted 10% of the flood control funds.

Remulla said the agency is reviewing the names in the Discayas’ initial affidavit. Among the 21 individuals tagged are resigned Rep. Zaldy Co, Sens. Francis Escudero, Joel Villanueva and Jinggoy Estrada, as well as Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials.

RELATED: Bribery, malversation: Villanueva, Estrada, Co to face charges in flood control scandal

“These 21 individuals will be interviewed later on,” Remulla said, adding that once the initial steps are completed, the Anti-Money Laundering Council will begin working on financial accounts.

On Friday, September 26, the DOJ confirmed that the NBI had recommended a case buildup for 21 people allegedly involved in the scheme. The recommendation was supported by testimonies from former DPWH officials Henry Alcantara, Brice Hernandez, Jaypee Mendoza and former undersecretary Roberto Bernardo during congressional probes.

Under scrutiny. From 2022 to 2024, companies linked to the Discayas bagged about P31.04 billion worth of contracts covering 421 projects, most of them flood-control works now under scrutiny.

Their own firms accounted for P25.2 billion from 345 solo and joint projects, while affiliated companies raised the overall contract value above P31 billion.