Christmas in the Senate: Curlee Discaya, former DPWH engineers denied furloughMANILA, Philippines — The Senate has denied holiday furlough for contractor Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya and three former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) engineers implicated in the flood control scandal. Sen. Ping Lacson, chair of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, said temporarily releasing them on Christmas may only provide an opportunity for them to escape accountability and expected arrests. Senate President Tito Sotto took his recommendation, effectively denying the leave requests of Discaya, as well as Bulacan district and assistant district engineers Henry Alcantara, Brice Hernandez and Jaypee Mendoza. The former DPWH engineers admitted to preparing and delivering the commissions themselves. So far, only Sarah Discaya, wife of Curlee, has been arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation.

Source: Philippine Star December 23, 2025 11:05 UTC