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4w ago

Contractors Allege Payoffs by 17 Lawmakers in Philippine Flood-Control Scandal

The president pledged an independent commission following inspections that uncovered ghost projects.

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Senator Rodante Marcoleta is shown on electronic screens during investigations on flood-control projects at the Senate Blue Ribbon committee in Pasay city, Philippines on Monday, Sept. 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
Private contractors listen as they attend investigations on flood-control projects at the Senate Blue Ribbon committee in Pasay city, Philippines on Monday, Sept. 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
Former Department of Public Works and Highways engineer Brice Ericson Hernandez sits during investigations on flood-control projects at the Senate Blue Ribbon committee in Pasay city, Philippines on Monday, Sept. 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

Overview

  • In a televised Senate Blue Ribbon hearing, Pacifico and Sarah Discaya testified under oath that at least 17 House members and Department of Public Works and Highways officials demanded 10% to 25% cuts to secure flood-control contracts.
  • The couple named officials but presented no documents in open session, saying they kept records privately and feared for their safety.
  • House Speaker Martin Romualdez issued a categorical denial after being named, and several other construction firms told senators they did not pay bribes.
  • President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered an independent commission and signaled possible criminal cases after site checks found non-existent or substandard projects and a list identified 15 firms with the most awards.
  • Protests have targeted DPWH and the House after deadly July floods despite 545 billion pesos in spending since 2022, with reviews citing concentrated contracting and the public works secretary stepping down.