Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla announced that the Department of Justice (DOJ) will assess which officials and employees of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) may qualify as state witnesses in the ongoing investigation into alleged corruption in flood control projects.
“We will evaluate everybody,” Remulla said in an interview with journalists, emphasizing the DOJ’s commitment to uncovering the full scope of the anomalies.
In the same interview, Remulla disclosed that he has recommended to the Senate to reject the request for state witness status by contractors Cezarah “Sarah” Discaya and Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya, who admitted their involvement during legislative hearings.
He cited legal standards and jurisprudence, stating that “they should tell the whole truth, not selective confessions” if they wish to be considered for such protection.
Remulla added that the DOJ is preparing to file criminal charges against those implicated, following the submission of findings by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), which he earlier directed to conduct a separate probe.
While he withheld details of the initial findings, he confirmed that charges for malversation of public funds will be filed, and the possibility of pursuing plunder cases is under serious consideration. (Jeffrey Damicog)
