The flood-control corruption scandal continues to shake the nation as whistleblowers, including Curlee and Sarah Discaya, claim that multiple lawmakers demanded kickbacks from government flood-control projects. While investigations continue, many of the individuals named have denied the allegations and remain unprosecuted.
This article compiles the key lawmakers mentioned in testimonies and why justice appears to move slowly.
🧑💼 Lawmakers Mentioned by the Discayas
The Discaya couple’s sworn Senate testimony revealed several congressmen they claim demanded or received kickbacks tied to flood-control allocations. These lawmakers have publicly denied the accusations.
1. Arjo Atayde – Quezon City 1st District
- Allegedly involved in fund kickback arrangements.
- Strongly denied the accusations and vowed to clear his name.
2. Roman Romulo – Pasig City
- Named in the Discayas’ testimony on supposed profit-sharing.
- Publicly refuted all claims, calling them false and baseless.
3. Marvin Rillo – Quezon City 4th District
- Included in the whistleblowers’ list of alleged beneficiaries.
- Has issued a firm denial of any involvement.
4. Marcy Teodoro – Marikina City
- Identified in the Discayas’ sworn statement.
- Denied the accusations and demanded accountability from accusers.
5. Reynante Arrogancia – Quezon City 3rd District
- Allegedly linked to project kickback arrangements.
- Strongly denied involvement.
6. Patrick Michael Vargas – Quezon City 5th District
- Mentioned in the couple’s testimony as a supposed beneficiary.
- Dismissed the allegations as lies.
7. Marivic Co-Pilar – Quezon City 6th District
- Accused by the whistleblowers of involvement.
- Has denied all claims.
8. Dean Asistio – Caloocan City 3rd District
- Included in the Discayas’ list of alleged recipients.
- Maintains innocence.
9. Florida Robes – San Jose del Monte, Bulacan
- Allegedly part of the kickback scheme.
- Denied the accusations completely.
10. Benjamin Agarao Jr. – Laguna 4th District
- Named in the sworn statement of the Discayas.
- Rejected all allegations.
Reminder: All listed individuals are presumed innocent unless proven guilty. Their names appear here solely because they were included in sworn testimonies and public hearings.
🧑⚖️ Other High-Profile Names Linked to the Broader Flood-Control Scam
Other lawmakers implicated through separate testimonies, including engineers and contractors, include:
- Zaldy Co – Former Ako Bicol Representative
- Martin Romualdez – Former House Speaker
- Jinggoy Estrada – Senator
- Joel Villanueva – Senator
All have denied wrongdoing while investigations remain ongoing.
⚠️ Why Many Are Still Not Fully Investigated
- The alleged scheme spans thousands of projects nationwide.
- It allegedly involves a network of engineers, contractors, and politicians.
- Many accusations rely on witness testimony without full documents.
- Certain lawmakers still hold significant political influence.
🌊 Impact on the Public
Billions meant to protect communities from floods may have been misused or lost, leaving many areas vulnerable. Every delayed investigation increases the frustration of citizens demanding transparency and justice.
🔔 Final Word: Accountability Must Not Be Selective
The Discayas’ testimony added a new layer to the ongoing flood-control controversy. As long as selective investigation continues, justice remains incomplete. Filipinos deserve to know where public money went — and who was responsible.
