SHOCKING REVELATION: The Discaya Family Holds Flood Control Projects Worth P32 Billion — All Secrets Uncovered, Fear Now Looms Over Those Involved

In a startling exposé that has sent shockwaves through government and public circles, the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) uncovered that the Discaya family, led by Sara Discaya and her husband Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya II, controls flood control projects totaling a staggering P31.6 billion under the Marcos Jr. administration. This vast empire of contracts raises serious questions about the integrity and transparency of public infrastructure undertakings that directly impact the lives of millions.

The Empire of Flood Control Contracts: A Family Monopoly

According to the PCIJ’s in-depth investigation, seven out of eight companies linked to the Discaya family have collectively won flood control projects worth nearly P32 billion between 2022 and 2025 — making them the largest contractor group in this critical sector. The magnitude of this monopoly is unprecedented, suggesting a deep-rooted network of influence that controls flood management projects across Metro Manila and other flood-prone regions.

These companies are officially registered under the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and notably share the same auditor, Conrado M. Briones — an arrangement that signals a tightly woven web of corporate interdependence.

The common addresses for most of these firms are located in Barangay Bambang, Pasig City, specifically in the SGC Executive Building at 792 F. Manalo Street — a building that now appears to be the nerve center of this vast contracting network.

Meet the Companies Behind the Billions

Here are some of the key companies and their respective project counts and contract values:

Amethyst Horizon Builders & General Contractor & Development Corp. — 31 projects, P2.237 billion

Elite General Contractor & Development Corp. — 28 projects, P2.1 billion

St. Gerrard Construction General Contractor & Development Corp. — 24 projects, P2.33 billion

Way Maker General Contractor OPC — 11 projects, P220 million

St. Timothy Construction — 105 projects, P7.32 billion

Alpha & Omega General Contractor & Development Corp. — 105 projects, P7.5 billion

Great Pacific Builders & General Contractor — 45 projects, P3.7 billion

St. Matthew General Contractor & Development — 55 projects, P4.3 billion

The sheer volume of contracts awarded to these companies gives the Discaya family an unparalleled grip on flood control infrastructure, a sector critical to safeguarding millions of Filipinos from the ravages of climate change-induced flooding.

Ownership Structure: Family Control Over 90%

To consolidate their control, family members and trusted lieutenants occupy top positions in these companies and hold overwhelming shares of their capital, typically amounting to 90% or more. This domination ensures decisions, finances, and operations remain under the family’s firm grasp.

Sara Discaya heads Alpha & Omega, owning 94% of its capital — valued at P975 million.

Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya II controls St. Gerrard, holding 96%, worth P1.1 billion.

Ma. Roma Angeline D. Rimando oversees St. Timothy with an 85% stake, worth P888 million.

Matthew Carl Discaya, their son, commands St. Matthew with 94%, valued at P245 million.

Rochelle R. Campos manages Amethyst Horizon with 96%, worth P174 million.

Maritoni P. Melegrito leads Elite with 96%, valued at P174 million.

Mary Joy Balangcad directs Great Pacific Builders with 96%, worth P172.8 million.

Gerrard William Francisco C. Discaya has 100% ownership of Way Maker, worth P12.5 million.

The centralization of ownership among family members and close associates reveals a corporate empire carefully structured to control flood control contracts, profits, and decision-making processes with minimal external interference.

What Lies Beneath: Allegations of Corruption and Embezzlement

Beyond the impressive figures and sprawling business network, whispers of corruption and graft swirl ominously around the Discaya family’s hold on these projects. Flood control infrastructure is vital for protecting communities from devastating floods, yet concerns have mounted over project quality, delays, and inflated costs.

Observers and whistleblowers have long alleged that the projects are riddled with overpriced materials, substandard workmanship, and blatant padding of contracts — all facilitated by the family’s monopoly and political connections.

Reports suggest that some contractors connected to the Discayas have become adept at funneling public funds into lavish lifestyles, flaunting expensive properties, vehicles, and other luxury items, even as flooding worsens due to poorly executed projects.

The systemic failure of flood control initiatives across Metro Manila — with frequent flooding triggered by even moderate rains — serves as grim testimony to these alleged misdeeds.

Political Ties and Shielding

The Discayas’ close relationship with the current Marcos Jr. administration has raised eyebrows, with critics pointing to possible favoritism and the use of political patronage to secure government contracts worth billions. It is no secret that infrastructure projects are often entangled in political patronage systems, but the extent of the Discaya family’s control and their ability to dominate an entire sector is unprecedented.

Many fear that attempts to investigate or prosecute irregularities may be stifled due to the family’s political connections and economic power, leaving ordinary citizens vulnerable to continued neglect and corruption.

What the Public Needs to Know

This revelation compels the public, media, and watchdog agencies to demand transparency and accountability from both the government and the Discaya conglomerate. The ongoing flood crises that paralyze Metro Manila’s daily life call for a serious overhaul of flood management policies, independent audits, and open bidding processes.

The families living in flood-prone areas deserve better infrastructure — projects built with integrity, not embezzled funds or cheap shortcuts. The fate of millions depends on the dismantling of monopolies like that of the Discayas and the eradication of corruption in flood control efforts.

The People Behind the Shadow Empire Now Fear Exposure

As PCIJ and other investigative bodies continue to peel back the layers of this scandal, those involved reportedly fear exposure. The secrecy, control, and manipulation that have long shielded this empire may finally be coming to an end.

Calls for investigations by the Commission on Audit (COA), the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and the Office of the Ombudsman are growing louder, backed by mounting public outrage over inadequate flood protection and lavish displays of wealth by families entrusted with public funds.

The Discaya family and their network of companies are now under unprecedented scrutiny, with all eyes watching whether justice will be served or if this shadow empire will continue to thrive unchecked.

In Conclusion

The shocking grip of the Discaya family on billions of pesos worth of flood control projects reveals a dark side of public infrastructure management — one tainted by alleged corruption, monopolization, and political favoritism. The ongoing floods and their devastating impact are not just natural disasters but symptoms of a broken system.

It is high time that Filipinos demand transparency, accountability, and reforms to ensure that flood control projects truly serve the public good, protecting lives and livelihoods rather than lining the pockets of a powerful few.