12/09/2025
OPINION | Flood of Betrayal
Floods do not destroy nations — corruption does. It is not the raising water that drown us, but the greed of the few that leaves many to sink.
The wound of corruption reopened after an exclusive interview with contractors Pacifico “Curlee’’ Discaya and Cezarah ‘’Sarah’’ Discaya, conducted by a prominent journalist, where they revealed their 11-digits net worth and a collection of more than forty luxury cars. The backlash from the interview was so strong that it pushed the public to demand accountability, prompting the Senate to formally summon them for investigation.
During the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing, they claimed that they were forced to comply with a corrupt system, paying ‘’lagay’’ or kickbacks to officials just to secure contracts. They named at least seventeen congressmen and several officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), alleging bribes ranging from ten to twenty-five percent of project costs. And yet, while claiming as the victims, the Discayas have thrived in this very system for more than two decades, collecting billion in contracts under multiple administration. How can those who have profited so long from corruption suddenly claim innocence?
Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto weighed in, noting the couple seemed to manipulate public sympathy, remarking "Ang sinungaling ay kapatid ng magnanakaw” means it is hard to trust those who spend lavishly on public funds from now posing as reluctant whistleblowers.
Still, their testimony cannot be dismissed entirely. Allegations is useless without proof. Contracts, ledgers, receipts, and vouchers must back their claim, or else these will remain nothing more than self-serving stories — powerless both in court and in the court of public opinion.
But the problem here is bigger than the Discayas. The greater betrayal lies in the system itself — one that thrives on pork barrel allocations, unprogrammed funds, and congressional insertions. These practices leaves the door open for theft while citizens continue to suffer. Punishing the Discayas alone will not end this cycle. True justice demands that the highest leaders who protect or benefit from this schemes face accountability. Every hidden document, every unanswered questions, and every silent officials are another stones added to the wall of corruption.
For the people, the message is clear: demand accountability not only from contractors but from the entire political machinery that enables them. Flood control funds must save lives, not line pockets. As long as no one is held accountable, every storm will remind us that public money is stolen, trust is betrayed, and the nation’s future is at risk.
// written by Marielle Joy Razo
