MANILA, Philippines, January 20, 2026 — Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon lashed out at businessman and contractor Curlee Discaya after the latter claimed during a Senate hearing that he and his company were being treated as if they were the ones robbed in the restitution process for funds allegedly pocketed from anomalous flood control projects.

Discaya, testifying before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee on January 19, argued that the restitution process was unfair to contractors like him. 

“Parang ang ibig sabihin, parang modern day na pagnanakaw. Ibig sabihin, ‘yong nakaw ba, siya pa ang magbibigay ng pera doon sa ninakawan niya? Parang ganoon po,” he said, suggesting that returning the money was akin to being robbed themselves. 

His remarks drew sharp criticism from lawmakers and government officials, who insisted that restitution is meant to return stolen public funds to the people.

Appearing as a witness at the Sandiganbayan on January 20 in a separate case against DPWH-MIMAROPA officials, Dizon rebuked Discaya’s statement, insisting that the contractor should instead apologize to the public. “Dapat naman mag-sorry sila, ninakaw nila ‘yong pera ng tao, e,” Dizon said, adding that Discaya’s remarks showed insensitivity to the gravity of the allegations.

The DPWH chief went further, branding Discaya’s comments as brazen. “Tapos narinig ko pa, sinabi daw niya parang sila pa raw nanakawan. Medyo makapal din naman talaga ang mukha nitong si Curlee Discaya,” Dizon declared, stressing that evidence against the contractor and his associates had already been presented. “Kitang-kita namin lahat ang ebidensya laban sa kanila tapos ang lakas pa ng loob niyang magsabi sila ang ninakawan,” he added.

Dizon advised Discaya and his wife, who is currently detained, to face the charges squarely and return the money allegedly taken from the government. “Siguro humarap na lang sila doon sa mga kaso nila. ‘Yong asawa niya, nakakulong na. Harapan na lang nila ‘yong mga kaso tapos ibalik na rin ‘yong pera ng mga kababayan natin,” he said.

The restitution process has become a flashpoint in ongoing investigations into ghost flood control projects, with lawmakers pressing contractors to return billions of pesos in public funds. The heated exchanges between officials and contractors underscore the deepening controversy surrounding infrastructure corruption and the government’s efforts to recover stolen money.

 From Accused to Aggrieved

Calling restitution “modern-day robbery” flips accountability on its head. Returning public money allegedly taken is not punishment. It is correction. The law asks the accused to give back what never belonged to them.

Yet the language of victimhood reframes the narrative. Contractors under investigation present themselves as wronged, not responsible. There is no remorse, no acknowledgment of public loss, only grievance. That posture matters. It shapes how corruption is normalized and excused.

Accountability demands humility, not outrage. When those accused of draining public funds claim injury instead, the public must ask. Who is truly aggrieved here, and who is refusing to accept responsibility?