Pacifico “Curlee” and Cezarah “Sarah” Discaya applied on Friday to qualify for the Department of Justice (DOJ) Witness Protection Program.
Their couple seek legal security in exchange for their testimony identifying individuals involved in the alleged multi-billion peso anomalies in Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) flood control projects.
The Discayas’ construction firms have been linked to anomalous projects, including “ghost” and substandard flood control work.
During the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on Sept. 8, the Discayas claimed they were forced to pay off DPWH officials and several lawmakers to secure government infrastructure contracts.
Wearing a bulletproof vest and escorted by Senate security and Philippine National Police personnel, Curlee entered the DOJ building at approximately 9:20 a.m., while Sarah arrived around 10:30 a.m.
Curlee was cited in contempt and detained by the Senate for lying under oath in the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on Thursday.
The couple declined to comment to reporters about their application.
Former Blue Ribbon Committee chairman Sen. Rodante Marcoleta endorsed their admission to the Witness Protection Program after they offered to become state witnesses.
DOJ assistant secretary and spokesperson Jose Dominic Clavano said the Discayas are set to meet with Justice secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla.
“Kailangan po maging truthful, kailangan po sabihin ang lahat ng nalalaman nila (They need to be truthful here, they should tell the truth and everything they know),” Clavano said.
He said the DOJ will not allow the couple to be “selective” in their affidavit or information about the alleged anomalies.
“We cannot afford to be selective here, in this process, because that will affect their application to become protected witnesses,” Clavano said.
Remulla said the couple’s admission to the witness program requires proof that they are the “least guilty” parties.
Beyond proving they are the “least guilty,” Remulla said they must also return stolen government money to qualify as state witnesses.
