Caloocan City Third District Representative Dean Asistio has formally denied allegations that he solicited and received kickbacks from public works contractors, calling the claims "pure lies" in a sworn affidavit executed on 24 November 2025.
Asistio submitted the affidavit to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) in response to allegations made by contractors Pacifico “Curlee” Felizario Discaya II and Cezarah “Sarah” Discaya.
The couple, who own several construction firms, had earlier submitted sworn statements to a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing.
In their 8 September affidavit, the Discayas alleged that after winning public works bids, Department of Public Works and Highways officials would demand a cut of the project cost ranging from 10 percent to 25 percent.
They listed several names, including "Cong. Dean Asistio of Caloocan," as among the recipients of these cash payments.
On 23 September, in another affidavit, the Discayas claimed that a certain "Mike Pacubas," identified as a "bagman" for Congressman Asistio, collected "parking fees"—a term often used for facilitation payments—for projects under the DPWH–Metro 3rd District.
Asistio, in his counter-affidavit, "categorically and vehemently" denied all accusations.
The young solon said, "I never asked or received money or its equivalent from Pacifico 'Curlee' Felizario Discaya II and Cezarah 'Sarah' Discaya."
He specifically refuted the claim that Mike Pacubas was his "bagman," explaining that Pacubas had previously served as a consultant whose sole task was "to verify and monitor" infrastructure projects in his district.
The solon also dismissed the Discayas' reference to transaction vouchers and ledgers as proof of payment, describing such documents as "self-serving and easily manipulatable."
His affidavit was filed in compliance with a request from the ICI, which is investigating the allegations.