Discaya couple to shun ICI probe

National

CONTRACTOR couple Curlee and Sarah Discaya have withdrawn from cooperating with the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), ending their brief bid to become state witnesses in the multibillion-peso flood control corruption scandal.

ICI Executive Director Brian Keith Hosaka confirmed the development, saying the couple “invoked their right to self-incrimination and manifested that they will no longer cooperate with the investigation.”

He said their earlier cooperation was based on the hope of getting a favorable recommendation from the commission as state witnesses.

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla, reacting to the move, said charges may soon be filed against the Discayas, pointing out that they never appeared fully forthcoming.

“That was the problem I saw from the very beginning,” Remulla said in an interview with Storycon on One News. “They didn’t seem willing to tell everything. They wanted to spare a lot of people and just say only what they chose to.”

He added, “It’s difficult to grant them immunity when they’re not in a tell-all mood. Some crimes are still undiscovered, and we can’t give blanket immunity when we don’t know everything yet.”

The couple’s withdrawal reportedly came after ICI member and former Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson told journalist Karen Davila that making them state witnesses was unlikely.

The couple, who are already facing a ₱7.1-billion tax evasion case, had previously been classified as “protected witnesses” by the Department of Justice.

Curlee Discaya remains in Senate custody after being cited for contempt, while his wife has largely avoided public appearances.

Despite their exit, Hosaka said the probe will continue.

“Whatever they said and what other witnesses have already said will be sufficient for us to build our cases and file the necessary recommendation to the Ombudsman.”

Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano, however, criticized the couple’s decision, saying it only weakens their credibility.

“Cooperating with the government is the only option left for them,” Clavano said in a message sent to reporters via Viber. “It will serve the public’s interest as well.”(Xienderlyn Trinidad, USJ-R Comm Intern)