Family-Owned Firms Secured Over P31-B Flood Control Contracts Starting Duterte Administration, Senate Hearing Reveals

At a Senate blue ribbon committee hearing, Sarah Discaya, widely dubbed the "flood control queen," disclosed that her family-owned companies started securing significant flood control projects from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) during President Rodrigo Duterte's term.

Discaya, whose firms have been awarded infrastructure contracts exceeding P31 billion since 2022, revealed she began bidding for DPWH projects in 2012, following earlier engagements with local government units. However, it was only from 2016 onwards, coinciding with the tenure of then Public Works Secretary Mark Villar, now a senator, that her companies secured flood control contracts.

Under questioning by Senator Ronald dela Rosa, a close ally of Duterte and former police official, Discaya stated, "We started participating in DPWH biddings around 2012, but prior to that, we were working with local governments. As for flood control projects, that would be from 2016 onwards."

Senator dela Rosa, apparently surprised, confirmed her statement, asking, "2016 onwards?" to which Discaya affirmed, "Yes, po."

This admission underscores ongoing concerns about government irregularities during Duterte's administration. Despite promises to eliminate corruption and illegal drugs within a short timeline, critics have highlighted persistent issues involving contracts awarded to associates and allies. The revelation adds to scrutiny over the transparency and fairness of public infrastructure projects awarded under the previous government.