Controversial contractor couple Curlee and Sarah Discaya—central figures in the anomalous flood control projects—said Wednesday, Oct. 15, that they will no longer cooperate with the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) investigation, after learning they might not be eligible for state witness protection.
ICI Executive Director Brian Hosaka confirmed that the Discayas, whose construction firms reportedly secured around P78 billion worth of questionable flood control contracts, have withdrawn from the probe.
He said the couple cited their right against self-incrimination.
The decision came after the Discayas attended what appeared to be their final ICI hearing on Wednesday afternoon.
The commission began its inquiry into the corruption scandal a month ago, following an order from President Marcos.
Hosaka said the couple had initially hoped their cooperation would earn them a favorable recommendation as state witnesses.
However, they reconsidered after watching an Oct. 13 interview by journalist Karen Davila with ICI member Babes Singson, who expressed doubt that anyone involved would be recommended for such protection.
“Basically, they explained that they were thinking that when they cooperated before the ICI, they would be getting a favorable recommendation from the commission as state witnesses,” Hosaka told reporters.
He added: “They said there was a statement by Commissioner Singson—his personal opinion—that he sees no witness or person who may be recommended by the commission as state witness. Because of that, they are now saying they will no longer appear before the commission and cooperate.”
Hosaka assured the public that the Discayas’ withdrawal would not derail the investigation.
He said their previous testimonies and affidavits were already sufficient for the case build-up against those implicated in the anomalous flood mitigation projects.
There are also additional information coming out from other resource persons that may help in the case, he added.
“Marami naman tayong mapagkukunan ng information. In fact, ang dami nang nag-tetestify, and pagdudugtong-dungtungin lahat ‘yan para makuha natin lahat ng nangyari, at ma-recommend natin na ma-file-an ‘tong mga taong to,” he said.
“But definitely, we will get to the bottom of this. We will continue our investigation para malaman natin kung sino talaga ang may sala,” he added. (Joseph Pedrajas)
