Flood Control Fiasco: Villar, Discayas to Face ICI on Alleged Ghost Projects, Kickbacks

Sen. Mark Villar

Flood Control Fiasco: Villar, Discayas to Face ICI on Alleged Ghost Projects, Kickbacks

By Wilma N. Yamzon – TheNationWeek.Com | October 7, 2025

MANILA, Philippines – Sen. Mark Villar, former secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), is set to appear before the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) this week to address mounting questions about his role in the planning, budgeting, and oversight of controversial flood control and infrastructure projects during his 2016-2021 tenure.

The ICI investigation will center on allegations of “ghost” flood control projects and billions of pesos in kickbacks allegedly siphoned from the DPWH funds under Villar’s watch.

ICI Spokesperson Brian Hosaka confirmed that Villar, along with contractor couple Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya and Cezarah Rowena “Sarah” Discaya, will face the commission on Oct. 7 and 8.

The Discayas are expected to provide crucial testimony on their involvement in DPWH projects and their alleged link to irregularities.

On the other hand, Villar will be required to testify under oath about specific projects under scrutiny, said ICI chairman Andres Reyes Jr.

The investigation aims to determine if Villar wielded undue influence in awarding contracts, particularly regarding allegations that P18.5 billion in contracts were funneled to a firm owned by his cousin, a claim the senator has denied.

The probe is fueled by growing public outrage over the ineffectiveness of flood control measures and the perceived corruption plaguing infrastructure development across the country.

The investigation also seeks to establish transparency and accountability in the allocation and expenditure of public funds earmarked for vital infrastructure.

It comes at a time when Sen. Panfilo Lacson withdrew as chair of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, a move that has raised questions about the Senate’s commitment to investigating corruption.

The commission is currently gathering evidence and scrutinizing relevant documents on flood project irregularities.

The outcome of the hearings is expected to trigger further investigations and legal actions if evidence of wrongdoing is found.

The probe will also shed light on the inner workings of the DPWH and the extent to which corruption may have undermined critical infrastructure projects meant to protect Filipino communities from devastating floods.