MANILA, Philippines – The nationwide investigation into alleged corruption within infrastructure projects is intensifying, with the Independent Contractor for Infrastructure (ICI) placing a sharp focus on Ilocos Norte. The ICI announced Thursday that contractors Curlee and Sara Discaya had secured the majority of the province’s flood control projects, a revelation that deepens the existing scandal.
🔍 Discayas Dominate Ilocos Norte Contracts
According to Rodolfo Azurin Jr., special adviser to the ICI, the investigation confirms that the Discaya couple were awarded a controlling stake in the province’s flood control development.
Project Volume: The Discayas secured the majority of the 150 flood control projects in Ilocos Norte.
Total Cost: The cumulative cost of these 150 projects amounts to a staggering ₱9 billion.
Specific Examples: Among the projects obtained by the Discayas are significant works along the Bongo River and Sinigpit Creek in Nueva Era town.
The ICI is actively inspecting sites across Ilocos Norte as part of its evidence-gathering efforts against the 15 contractors initially linked to the broader flood control corruption mess.
“We are inspecting all the projects here of the Discayas and the 15 contractors named by our President,” Azurin confirmed, underscoring the high priority of this provincial probe.
🤝 Full Cooperation Pledged by DPWH
In a major assurance of transparency and cooperation, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has committed to providing the ICI with unfettered access to all necessary documents and project sites.
Arthur Bisnar, DPWH Undersecretary for Regional Operations in Luzon, guaranteed this support:
“The directive from (Public Works) Secretary Vince Dizon is to give the ICI full access to the ongoing investigation. This full access is extended not just at the central office, but also in our regional offices and district engineering offices.”
This commitment is crucial, as the ICI seeks to prioritize the most egregious cases. The body previously stated it would focus on 80 of the initial 421 flood control projects under corruption scrutiny.
🚨 Impending Arrests Expected in November
The intensified investigation is poised to yield immediate legal consequences. Earlier on the day of the Ilocos Norte announcement, DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon stated that over 40 individuals allegedly involved in anomalous flood control projects in Bulacan and Oriental Mindoro are expected to be jailed this November.
Bulacan Case: 26 individuals are expected to be detained in Bulacan. This group notably includes the contractors Curlee and Sara Discaya (who are now tied to the Ilocos Norte contracts) and former DPWH district engineer Henry Alcantara.
Oriental Mindoro Case: 15 individuals are anticipated to face detention in Mindoro. Prominently included in this group is resigned Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co and his co-accused, tying the infrastructure scandal to high-profile political figures.
The coordination between the ICI and the DPWH, backed by strong government action, signals a serious attempt to prosecute those involved in the misuse of public infrastructure funds across multiple regions of the Philippines.