The contractor couple Sarah and Curlee Discaya will no longer cooperate with the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) in its ongoing probe into the alleged irregularities in flood control projects, according to ICI Executive Director Atty. Brian Keith Hosaka on Wednesday, October 15.
“Basically, they 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 said during a press conference following what appeared to be the couple’s third—and possibly final—appearance before the commission.
Hosaka revealed that the couple’s decision came after they learned of ICI Commissioner Rogelio “Babes” Singson’s remarks during an interview with journalist Karen Davila, where Singson stated that he did not see any individual qualified to be recommended as a state witness.
“I believe that, they said that, there was a statement by commissioner Singson regarding his own personal [opinion]… He sees no witness or no person who may be recommended by the commission as state witness,” Hosaka explained.
“Because of that, they [the Discayas] are now saying that they will no longer appear before the commission and cooperate,” he added.
Despite the couple’s withdrawal, Hosaka assured the public that the ICI’s investigation will continue, stressing that the commission has already gathered substantial testimonies and evidence from other sources.
“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,” Hosaka emphasized.
According to reports, Sarah Discaya avoided the media before the hearing by entering the ICI building through the back entrance.
The Discayas were previously among the key figures cooperating with the ICI in uncovering alleged corruption and fund misuse in several flood control infrastructure projects across the country.