Photo credit: Senate PH

Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto has questioned the credibility of statements made during the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee’s inquiry into flood control projects, pointing out contradictions in the testimony of contractor Cezarah Discaya and her associates.

In notes he shared after following the September 1, 2025 hearing led by Senator Rodante Marcoleta, Sotto said Discaya appeared inconsistent when pressed by senators on her business interests. While she initially told Senator Erwin Tulfo that she had divested from eight of her nine companies and was only directly involved with Alpha & Omega Construction, she later admitted under questioning by Senator Jinggoy Estrada that she still owned all nine firms. Moments later, she changed her statement once more, describing herself only as a part-owner.

Sotto noted that these shifting answers raised questions about possible use of relatives and employees as fronts for company ownership. He cited as an example the case of St. Timothy, which Discaya said she transferred to her niece, Ma. Roma Discaya Rimando. Rimando, a former HR manager at St. Gerrard Construction with a monthly salary of P30,000 to P40,000, is now listed as having nearly P900-million in paid-up capital for the company. Asked how this was possible, Rimando said she borrowed money from her uncle and relied on company earnings, but senators questioned the explanation.

Other firms linked to Discaya were also registered under close relatives or former employees. Elite General Contractor was named under her cousin, while Amethyst Horizon Builders was listed under an employee identified as John Bryan Eugenio. Another company, Waymaker OPC, was under her son Gerrard, with her brother serving as alternate nominee. Her son Matthew was also listed as the majority owner of St. Matthew with capital contributions amounting to over P200-million.

According to Sotto, this pattern suggests a deliberate effort to conceal real ownership, and he urged authorities to investigate thoroughly before the individuals involved could evade accountability. He also called for future hearings to look into allegations that some contractors advance large amounts of project funds to politicians as kickbacks, a practice long rumored in public works contracts.

Sotto added that others linked to the Discaya group, including Curlee Discaya, should also be summoned by the Senate, noting that they may hold further knowledge of the schemes.

“We cannot allow these issues to fade quietly,” Sotto said. “There must be accountability, whether from contractors, politicians, or government officials. Otherwise, this cycle will only repeat itself.”