MANILA, Oct. 3 -- Construction firms owned by couple Pacifico "Curlee" Discaya and Cezarah Rowena "Sarah" Discaya could face up to PHP300 billion in penalties for allegedly rigging over 1,200 flood control contracts, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said Friday.

In a press briefing, DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon said the government has awarded 1,214 flood-control contracts to Discaya-owned firms since 2016 for a total amount of PHP77.934 billion.

Dizon said if the bid manipulation is proven, a PHP110-million fine could be slapped on the first offense, with additional PHP250 million for each subsequent offense.

"Mas malaki pa ang penalty (The penalty is higher)," Dizon said, comparing the potential fines to the total amou...