The camp of controversial contractor couple Cezarah “Sarah” Rowena and Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya on Thursday denied Malacañang’s claim linking them to the unfinished Philippine Film Heritage Building (PFHB) in Intramuros, Manila.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro earlier announced that Great Pacific Builders and General Contractor Inc., a firm she identified as part of the Discaya-owned network of companies, was behind the substandard construction that delayed the building’s turnover.
“Nakakadismaya. At ang building na ito, ang contractor nito ay ang Great Pacific Builders and General Contractor Inc. Isa ito sa mga korporasyon ng mga Discaya,” Castro said after personally inspecting the site with First Lady Liza Marcos. She warned of possible legal action against the contractor over what she described as poor structural design and sloppy workmanship.
Funding for the PFHB, intended to serve as a national repository for Philippine films and related heritage materials, was included in the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) National Building Program under the 2023 General Appropriations Act as a “Congress-introduced change or adjustment.” The facility was supposed to be formally turned over on September 4, but the schedule was aborted after officials found major sections of the building incomplete.
Discaya camp’s rebuttal
During a DZRH’s Damdaming Bayan exclusive interview with Atty. Cornelio Samaniego III, Legal Counsel of the Discayas, said Great Pacific Builders is no longer controlled by the couple.
The lawyer further explained that the company successfully completed Phase 1 of the PFHB construction, and has documentation to prove it.
“Dalawang phases po ‘yan. Yung Phase 1 po natapos na po, meron po tayong Certificate of Completion dito,” he said.
According to him, Phase 2 of the project, which remains ongoing, is now being handled by another firm.
“Yung Phase 2 po, mayroon tayong notice to proceed. Ongoing po yung construction. Patapos na ‘yon. Malinis ‘yon, nakakalungkot lang na parang hindi nabigyan ng magandang impormasyon ang ating kagalang-galang na spokesperson kaya ganon ang nasabi niya na ‘di natapos,” Samaniego said.
He also clarified that the firm currently working on-site during the Palace inspection was not connected to the Discayas.
“Yung naabutan po doon na gumagawa ay hindi po sa amin ‘yon. Shutterbox Solutions and Services Corporation. Hindi po kami ang nag-hire doon,” he stressed.
Regardless of their defense, the Discayas have already been barred from handling any new or ongoing government projects. The Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB) previously revoked the licenses of all companies linked to the couple amid mounting allegations of irregularities.
