Photo credit: Senate PH

Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto welcomed the arrest of contractor Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya, saying it is a sign that efforts to hold those involved in alleged corruption accountable are beginning to bear fruit.

In a social media post on June 8, Sotto expressed hope that more individuals implicated in the controversial flood control projects would face legal consequences. He said that while many Filipinos remain frustrated with the country's governance problems, recent developments show that progress is possible when corruption is consistently challenged.

Sotto noted that just a year ago, many people were still unaware of the alleged irregularities surrounding government-funded flood control projects. He said the issue has since gained wider public attention and underscored the need for citizens to remain vigilant and continue demanding accountability from public officials.

The mayor also stressed that the controversy goes beyond flood control projects, warning that similar schemes could continue unless corruption is actively opposed and rejected by the public.

His remarks came after Discaya was arrested on June 8 by operatives of the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) while under Senate custody. The arrest was made pursuant to a warrant issued on June 5 by the Malolos Regional Trial Court in Bulacan.

The Office of the Ombudsman earlier filed graft and malversation charges against Discaya, his wife Cezarah “Sarah” Discaya, several former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials, and other individuals over an allegedly anomalous flood control project in Barangay Bulusan, Calumpit, Bulacan. Investigators said the project allegedly caused financial injury to the government amounting to approximately P53.9 million.

Authorities said the case involves allegations of malversation through falsification of public documents related to the implementation and funding of the project.

Before his arrest, Discaya had been detained at the Senate since September 2025 after being cited in contempt during the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee's investigation into alleged irregularities in flood control projects. Following the service of the warrant, he was turned over to the PNP-CIDG and transported to Malolos, Bulacan for court proceedings.

The flood control controversy has drawn national attention since a series of Senate investigations began examining allegations that billions of pesos allocated for flood mitigation projects were diverted through ghost projects, overpriced contracts, and kickback schemes. Several contractors, government officials, and other personalities have since been linked to the ongoing probe.

Authorities said investigations remain ongoing. The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) reported that nine of the 11 individuals charged in the Bulacan case are already in custody, while efforts continue to locate the remaining suspects.

Sotto's comments reflect growing public calls for stronger safeguards in government procurement, infrastructure spending, and anti-corruption efforts as the investigation into the flood control scandal continues.