The Marcos administration has declared that more individuals implicated in the controversial flood control projects will face justice and be held accountable as the new year of 2026 begins. This stern warning from Malacañang comes amid ongoing investigations into alleged massive irregularities.
Discaya Couple Branded as the 'New Napoles'
In a significant development, Presidential Communications Office Acting Secretary Dave Gomez confirmed that the contractor couple at the heart of the scandal, Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya and Cezarah Rowena “Sarah” Discaya, are being called the "new Napoles" by some sectors. This label references Janet Napoles, the central figure in the previous multi-billion-peso Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam.
Gomez emphasized that the unexplained wealth of the Discayas is "ten times" greater than the ill-gotten wealth accumulated by Napoles. He pointed out that the current probe into the flood control mess has moved faster, with the Discayas spending Christmas of 2025 in detention. "The flood control investigation does not end on Dec. 25. It's only been a little over four months," Gomez stated.
Faster Accountability Promised
Comparing the pace of the current investigation to the Napoles case, Gomez noted that the earlier probe took nearly a year before individuals were jailed. He assured the public that the momentum will continue. "There will surely be more thrown behind bars in the New Year," he asserted, signaling that the net of accountability is set to widen.
The administration's anti-corruption drive was further underscored by Palace Press Officer Claire Castro. In a separate statement, she declared that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s fight against corruption is "far from over." She outlined that all relevant investigative bodies, including the Independent Commission for Infrastructure, are actively gathering evidence to ensure successful prosecution.
Rule of Law and Comprehensive Accountability
Castro stressed the importance of adhering to the rule of law, noting that mere hearsay is inadmissible. She reiterated the President's clear directive: "Managot ang lahat ng dapat managot (Hold accountable everyone who should be held accountable)." This principle, she added, applies universally, regardless of whether the individuals involved are relatives, friends, or political allies of those in power.
The statements from Malacañang on Friday, December 26, 2025, follow an earlier public display of demand for justice. During an anti-corruption rally in Quezon City on September 13, 2025, protesters already held posters bearing the image of contractor Cezarah Discaya, demanding accountability. The Palace's latest pronouncements indicate that these public calls are being acted upon, with more developments expected as 2026 unfolds.
