Manila, Sept. 18 -- A contractor on Thursday admitted before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee that he paid "standard operating procedure" kickbacks of 10 to 25 percent to Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials in exchange for flood control projects in Quezon City.

Pacifico "Curlee" Discaya, owner of St. Gerrard Construction, initially invoked his right against self-incrimination when pressed by Senator Risa Hontiveros to present ledgers of transactions.

But under persistent questioning, he confirmed that his company made the payments in cash once projects were awarded.

"Labag man sa kalooban, pero nagbabayad kayo, tama?" (Against your will, but you still pay, correct?) Hontiveros asked.

Discaya replied: "Yes, Your Ho...