MANILA — Contractors Curlee and Cezarah “Sarah” Discaya told the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee that Speaker Martin Romualdez, Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co, and several other lawmakers received 25 to 31 percent kickbacks from multi-billion peso DPWH flood-control projects.
They alleged the commissions came from congressional insertions and unprogrammed funds, and offered to serve as state witnesses. Also named were Pasig Rep. Roman Romulo and Quezon City Reps. Arjo Atayde and Marvin Rillo.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered a review of more than 9,000 flood-control projects after reports that thousands had unusual or inadequate specifications.
Mr. Romualdez, Mr. Co and the other lawmakers have yet to issue detailed responses, but their offices have previously denied wrongdoing. The Blue Ribbon Committee is expected to summon them in future hearings.
This is a developing story. IORBITNEWS TEAM