Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson on Thursday, September 11, expressed doubts over the eligibility of contractors Cezarah “Sarah” and Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya as potential state witnesses, citing inconsistencies in their testimonies and their retraction of earlier statements before the House of Representatives.
Speaking at the Kapihan sa Senado forum, Lacson underscored that the credibility of the Discayas had been compromised by conflicting accounts and their decision to withdraw previous claims.
When asked whether he supported Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III’s decision not to sign the recommendation for the Discayas’ placement under the Witness Protection Program (WPP), Lacson pointed out that Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla had already rejected the request, citing restitution as a prerequisite.
“Unang-una, nag-decline na si SOJ. Sinabi na niya na ang isang kondisyon niya is restitution. Nag-usap din sila ni Senate President kaya siguro ‘yun ang naging basis ni Senate President Sotto na hindi na niya pirmahan ‘yung recommendation,” Lacson explained.
He added that the initial recommendation was issued under the previous Blue Ribbon Committee chair and is now considered outdated.
As the current chair, Lacson emphasized that any endorsement must be revalidated and signed by him. Regarding the Discayas’ qualifications, Lacson reiterated that their retractions cast serious doubt on their reliability.
“Eh kasi nag-retract sila. Pagdating sa House, iba naman ang sinasabi. How can they qualify kung hindi definite yung kanilang testimonya?” While not entirely dismissing the possibility, Lacson stressed that their credibility must first be tested through legislative immunity and consistent testimony.
“Kung susundan natin ‘yung proseso, unahin na muna natin magkaroon sila ng legislative immunity. Mate-test natin ‘yung kanilang credibility as a possible state witness depending sa kanilang testimonya.”
He also outlined the key criteria for state witness protection, including the requirement that the witness must not be the most guilty party and that their testimony must be material and supported by independent evidence.
“Kung meron silang tinatago, papayagan ba natin para lang maligtas ‘yung sarili nila? Eh ang laki rin ng kanilang dapat pananagutan, di ba?” As of now, Lacson said no individual has been confirmed as a qualified state witness, emphasizing the need for thorough, in-person evaluation of each candidate. (Dhel Nazario)
