MANILA — The Office of the Ombudsman filed graft and malversation charges against spouses Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya and Cezarah Rowena “Sarah” Discaya, along with several local public works officials, in connection with alleged irregularities involving a flood control project in Calumpit, Bulacan.

During a press briefing after the complaint was filed before the Bulacan Regional Trial Court, Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said the transaction allegedly benefited the Discayas’ construction company by PHP53 million.

“The findings of the Ombudsman reveal an utter and flagrant violation for government accounting and auditing regulations, specifically, investigators discovered that payment for the project’s first billing was released despite an unapproved disbursement voucher,” Clavano said.

Clavano said investigators also found that full payment for dredging and embankment works had been released without sufficient basis and without the required supporting documents showing that the project had been completed.

The complaint was lodged with the Clerk of Court by Clavano, accompanied by Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon.

Also named in the complaint were officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways-Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office, namely Merg Jaron Laus, Brice Ericson Hernandez, Jaypee Mendoza, Ernesto Galang, Norberto Santos, Lorenzo Pagtalunan, Juanito Mendoza and Floralyn Simbulan.

Ma. Roma Angeline Rimando of St. Timothy Construction Corporation was likewise included in the charges.

Curlee Discaya has been under Senate custody since September 2025 after he was cited in contempt by the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee.

Meanwhile, Sarah Discaya remains detained at the Lapu-Lapu City Jail Female Dormitory in Mactan, Cebu. She is facing non-bailable graft and malversation charges over her alleged involvement in the PHP96.5-million ghost flood control project in Davao.