Sarah Discaya Admits Billions in DPWH Flood Projects Under Duterte Administration

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In a dramatic Senate hearing on September 1, 2025, businesswoman Sarah Discaya confessed that her family’s construction companies secured billions of pesos in flood control projects from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) starting in 2016, during the administration of former president Rodrigo Duterte. Her admission has reignited public anger over alleged corruption in Philippine infrastructure projects, with senators vowing deeper scrutiny into possible favoritism and misuse of public funds.

The revelation quickly spread on social media, where political commentator Richard Heydarian pointed out that Duterte’s term oversaw billions poured into flood control initiatives. Online discussions also highlighted long-standing concerns about questionable partnerships and project allocations in flood-prone areas, where residents continue to suffer from inadequate infrastructure despite massive spending.

Among the companies under the spotlight is CLTG Builders, owned by Deciderio Go, the father of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go. Records show that in 2017, CLTG Builders partnered with St. Gerrard Construction, owned by Discaya’s husband, Pacifico “Curlee” Felizario Discaya II. Together, they won five infrastructure projects in Davao Region worth over ₱816 million.

These projects included major road widening and improvement works along Daang Maharlika and other bypass roads, as well as reconstruction efforts such as the widening of Slaughterhouse Road and F. Torres Bridge. The contracts, according to data reviewed by Rappler, totaled exactly ₱816,981,062.81.

Senator Go, who now sits as vice chairperson of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee handling the probe, maintained that accountability must be enforced. “With the large amount of budget we’re talking about here, auditing or reporting were not enough for the flood control projects. An explanation from contractors or the DPWH alone would not suffice. Someone should be held accountable for this,” Go said in a session last August 20.

Critics, however, were quick to point out Go’s family ties to the Discayas, questioning whether his participation in the probe presents a conflict of interest. Observers noted that CLTG Builders not only bears its father’s name but also matches the senator’s initials—Christopher Lawrence Tesoro Go—raising further questions about political influence in government contracts.

The controversy has fueled calls for stricter transparency in infrastructure spending, as billions of pesos continue to be allocated for flood control each year. With public trust hanging in the balance, senators face mounting pressure to prove that this investigation will not end in another political deadlock.

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