Discayas tag lawmakers in DPWH ‘kickback scheme’; Cong. Jojo Ang denies allegations

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By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

Government contractors Cezarah Rowena “Sarah” Discaya and Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya have accused Uswag Ilonggo Party-list Rep. James “Jojo” Ang Jr. and former Aklan 2nd District Rep. Teodorico “Nonong” Haresco Jr. of involvement in an alleged kickback and corruption network in government infrastructure projects.

In sworn statements before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, the couple implicated the two lawmakers along with several high-ranking officials, legislators, and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) personnel.

The Discayas claimed that officials demanded substantial percentages of project costs as a condition for project approval and implementation.

They said they initially tried to resist but were forced to comply for the sake of their family and employees.

According to the couple, their refusal to engage in corrupt bidding practices led to repeated disqualifications by the DPWH Bids and Awards Committee, which they said was controlled by lawmakers funding the projects.

They added that their business suffered as a result, forcing them into debt and placing their family’s safety at risk, which compelled them to join the corrupt system against their will.

“Wala kaming magawa dahil kung hindi kami makikisama, gagawan nila ng problema ang project na na-award sa amin sa pamamagitan ng mutual termination o pagkakaroon ng Right of Way problem na parehong nagdudulot na hindi matuloy ang implementasyon ng proyekto,” the couple said.

[We had no choice, because if we didn’t cooperate, they would create problems for the projects awarded to us, either through mutual termination or by causing Right of Way issues, both of which would prevent the projects from being implemented.]

After winning bids, some DPWH officials allegedly approached them to demand their share of the project funds, ranging from 10% to 25% of the total cost, as a condition to ensure smooth implementation.

The couple said they complied by giving officials cash payments, documenting each transaction through “vouchers at ledger” with corresponding dates of receipt.

Regarding Ang, the Discayas alleged that the lawmaker told them all projects under him were funded by House Speaker Martin Romualdez and former House Committee on Appropriations chair Zaldy Co, which justified the high percentage demands.

“Dagdag pa niya, hindi naman lahat ng pera ay para sa kanya kundi para kay (Romualdez) at Zaldy Co,” they added.

[Not all the money is for him; it is also for Romualdez and Zaldy Co.]

This is not the first time Ang’s name has been linked to questionable government contracts.

Last week, Batangas 1st District Engineer Abelardo Calalo alleged that Ang was involved in a scheme to solicit “donations” from contractors for 2025 DPWH projects in Batangas’ 1st District.

DENIAL

In an official statement issued on Sept. 8, Ang strongly denied the allegations and described them as “baseless accusations linking me to alleged corrupt practices and illegal acts.”

“I am totally surprised that my name has been mentioned. It is unfortunate that some interested parties have chosen to resort to name-dragging for their personal agenda. It is a convenient distraction from the real issues. I urge the public to be circumspect and to remain focused on the facts,” he said.

Ang added that he denounces “all types of corruption that prejudice not just the government but undermine the trust reposed to us by the Filipino people,” stressing that his actions have always been guided by integrity and accountability.

“I have adhered to my mandate to serve the people and the sector I represent with integrity. My actions have been and will always be guided by my commitment to fulfill that trust,” he said.

Haresco, meanwhile, has yet to release a statement regarding the allegations as of press time.

The Discayas, meanwhile, expressed their willingness to testify and serve as state witnesses to expose other government officials allegedly involved in corruption.

They have requested protection for their family from the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in light of their testimony.

The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee has assured the couple of their safety and is set to recommend their protection.

Committee chair Sen. Rodante Marcoleta confirmed that with the Senate president’s approval, the couple could be placed under the state witness protection program.