Manila: Contractor couple Pacifico ‘Curlee’ Discaya and Cezarah Rowena ‘Sarah’ Discaya have decided to cease their cooperation with the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) concerning the investigation into irregularities in flood control projects.
According to Philippines News Agency, ICI executive director Brian Keith Hosaka revealed the Discayas’ decision during a press briefing on Wednesday. “Basically, they (Discayas) explained that they were thinking that when they cooperate before the ICI, they will be getting a favorable recommendation from the commission as state witness[es],” Hosaka explained. He further stated that the couple has now opted not to appear before the commission or continue their cooperation.
Despite their participation when summoned by prosecutors at the Department of Justice (DOJ), the couple has yet to provide significant information to aid the prosecution. Moreover, they have not returned any portion of the funds acquired through the contracts, which the ICI has stipulated as a non-negotiable requirement for those seeking to become state witnesses.
In addition to the ongoing flood control project investigation, the Discayas are also facing separate charges for tax evasion, which were filed against them at the DOJ last week.