On Monday, June 8, 2026, the Senate turned over flood control contractor Curlee Discaya to police custody. This transfer follows the issuance of a court-ordered arrest warrant related to a non-bailable malversation case, effectively ending Discaya’s nearly nine-month detention at the Senate. That earlier detention resulted from a contempt citation issued during a September 2025 inquiry into public works projects.
Did You Know? Before his transfer to police custody on June 8, Curlee Discaya underwent a formal booking process at the Senate, where officials collected his mugshot and thumbmarks.
The Legal Basis for the Arrest
The arrest warrant stems from a case filed by the Office of the Ombudsman. Investigators determined that payments for a P53.9-million flood control project located in Calumpit, Bulacan, were released without a required, approved disbursement voucher.
Discaya is currently scheduled to appear in court for the return of the warrant. Once he arrives, the court will determine the specific detention facility where he will be held.
Status of Co-Accused
The Bulacan court has issued arrest warrants for 10 other individuals connected to the case alongside Discaya. Several of these co-accused are already in custody. Among them is Discaya’s wife, Sarah, who is currently held at the Lapu-Lapu City Jail Female Dormitory in Cebu. Her detention, which began in December 2025, relates to a separate graft and malversation case involving a P96-million ghost project in Davao Occidental.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Curlee Discaya initially detained at the Senate?
He was held for nearly nine months due to a contempt citation issued because of his inconsistent remarks during a September 2025 inquiry by the Senate blue ribbon committee.
What is the nature of the charges against Discaya?
He is facing a non-bailable malversation case filed by the Office of the Ombudsman regarding a P53.9-million flood control project in Calumpit, Bulacan, which lacked an approved disbursement voucher.
Are other individuals involved in these cases?
Yes, the Bulacan court ordered the arrest of 10 other people. His wife, Sarah, is already detained in Cebu in connection with a separate P96-million ghost project case.
What impact might these ongoing legal proceedings have on the timeline of the public works investigations?
