The Department of Justice (DOJ) is set to assess the qualifications of spouses Cezarah “Sarah” and Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya as potential state witnesses in connection with the multi-billion-peso “anomalous” flood control projects. The couple appeared before the DOJ on Friday, Sept. 19, to formally apply for coverage under the Witness Protection Program (WPP).
DOJ Assistant Secretary Jose Dominic F. Clavano IV stated that the department will examine whether the Discayas’ affidavits are “truthful, genuine, authentic, and complete.”
If the documents meet these standards, Clavano said the DOJ will then evaluate the risks the couple may be facing, including possible threats or intimidation from individuals implicated in the case.
In addition to their testimony, the Discayas will be required to return to the government the funds they allegedly received
“Ang tingin po kasi ni Secretary hindi naman po pwedeng bigyan ng immunity ang isang tao kung unjustly enriched po s’ya,” Clavano said.
In allowing them to keep the money, “it’s very awkward and sa tingin po namin it’s not the right way” to have them covered under the government’s Witness Protection Program (WPP), he said.
“Kaya the Secretary is very stringent and very stern in his condition and demands to return the money first before anything,” he added.
Earlier, Senate President Pro Tempore and Blue Ribbon Committee Chairman Panfilo “Ping” Lacson had said the Discayas have bagged a staggering P207.25 billion worth of infrastructure projects from 2016 until 2025.
Lacson had also said the amount is the total awarded to the Discayas’ nine firms as collated from the data of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). (Jeffrey Damicog)
