Flood Control Contractors Halt Cooperation in Corruption Probe

Contractors Curlee and Sarah Discaya attend their third and final hearing before the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI).

Flood Control Contractors Halt Cooperation in Corruption Probe

By Wilma N Yamzon – TheNationWeek.Com | October 15, 2025

MANILA, Philippines – A high-stakes corruption probe into potentially fraudulent flood control projects has taken a dramatic turn, with contractors Curlee and Sarah Discaya withdrawing their cooperation from the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI).

The move raises serious questions about accountability and the potential for powerful figures to evade justice in a system riddled with alleged kickbacks.

The Discayas, central figures in the investigation, invoked their right against self-incrimination, effectively halting their participation in the ICI’s inquiry into alleged corruption surrounding numerous infrastructure projects.

ICI Executive Director Brian Hosaka revealed the development at a press conference, stating the couple had initially believed their cooperation would pave the way for state witness status.

“They were under the impression that their cooperation with the ICI would lead to a favorable recommendation… to be considered as state witnesses,” Hosaka explained.

However, public pronouncements by ICI Commissioner and former Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson suggest the couple would not be granted the protection they desired.

The ICI’s investigation is focused on uncovering evidence of widespread corruption, including the existence of so-called “ghost projects” – substandard or entirely fictitious infrastructure works – allegedly funded through illicit kickbacks.

The scale of the potential fraud is staggering, with estimates suggesting billions of pesos may have been siphoned off through these schemes.

While the Discayas’ withdrawal presents a significant obstacle, Hosaka assured the public that the investigation will proceed, stressing the commission already has substantial documentation provided by the couple.

The question now is whether this evidence will be sufficient to expose the full extent of the alleged corruption and bring those responsible to justice.

The case has ignited public outrage, with many questioning whether the Discayas, and others to be implicated in the scandal, believe they can use their alleged ill-gotten gains – “billions of kickbacks,” as some critics claim – to effectively “buy their freedom” and escape prosecution.

The ICI’s ability to navigate this complex web of influence and uncover the truth will be a crucial test of its independence and the Philippines’ commitment to fighting corruption.