The local government of Pasig has ordered the closure of nine companies owned by contractor couple Sarah and Curlee Discaya due to various violations, including over P1.1 billion in alleged unpaid taxes.
The shutdown was ordered on Nov. 25 by the Office of the City Administrator (OCA) and the Business Permit and Licensing Department (BPLD), following the revocation of the couple’s business permits.
Aside from the unpaid taxes, the OCA said the revocation also stemmed from operating without an occupancy permit, which is required to certify that a building is structurally safe and legally fit for use.
It further stated that the Discayas’ Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB) license had been cancelled, meaning they are no longer legally allowed to engage in contracting activities.
On Nov. 19, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said that the Discayas are set to be charged in court with criminal offenses in the “anomalous” flood control projects.
Curlee and Sarah Discaya, who own the construction company St. Timothy, are the subject of several flood project investigations being conducted by the Ombudsman, the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), and the Commission on Audit (COA).
Remulla said there are at least three cases involving the contractor spouses that have been submitted for resolution.
He added that the Discayas will most likely face graft and malversation cases similar to those filed against Zaldy Co in the Naujan, Oriental Mindoro project. (Richielyn Canlas)
