Manila: Malaca±ang has criticized contractor couple Cezarah 'Sarah' and Pacifico 'Curlee' Discaya for spreading misinformation regarding the second phase of the Philippine Film Heritage Building (PFHB) construction project. The Palace clarified that the couple's construction firm was indeed responsible for the project.
According to Philippines News Agency, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro urged the Discayas to review their contracts with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). Castro emphasized that incorrect information could mislead the public and advised the couple to verify their commitments with Great Pacific Builders and General Contractor, Inc., one of their nine companies.
The statement came after Cornelio Samaniego, the lawyer representing the Discayas, claimed that their firm only handled the first phase of the PFHB project, completed in December 2024, and that a different company managed the second phase. Castro countered this claim, stating that Great Pacific Builders had voluntarily agreed to a contract for the second phase with DPWH representative Manny Bulusan.
Castro detailed that the contract involved the construction of the FDCP Film Heritage Building in Intramuros, Manila, with a total value of PHP107,983,255.11, and was set to last 240 calendar days, expiring on September 4, 2025. She highlighted discrepancies in the timeline presented by Samaniego, noting that the contract could not have concluded in December 2024 if it was initiated in January 2025.
Furthermore, Castro warned of potential legal action due to the poor structural design and construction quality of the PFHB. First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos also criticized the substandard construction, describing it as a "rotten monument of incompetence" on social media.
In related news, the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) has advocated for worker representation in the independent commission that will investigate alleged corruption in flood control projects. The TUCP emphasized the importance of genuine participation to ensure transparency and accountability.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. recently announced the formation of an independent body to examine irregularities in flood control projects and recommend legal actions against those involved. The TUCP, representing millions of Filipino workers, stressed the impact of corruption on taxpayers who fund public infrastructure projects and urged for responsible use of public funds.
