The Office of the Ombudsman has ruled out any possibility for contractors Sarah and Curlee Discaya to serve as state witnesses in cases linked to the alleged irregularities in flood control projects, citing their extensive involvement in corruption and their failure to cooperate with investigators.
According to Assistant Ombudsman and spokesperson Mico Clavano, the couple’s actions have made them “hostile witnesses” who will instead face charges as respondents.
“The Discayas, due to their uncooperative behavior now, there’s absolutely no chance that they can even become state witnesses anymore… they are deemed to be hostile witnesses and can only be charged as respondents,” Clavano said during a press briefing.
He revealed that the Discayas had participated in over 4,000 project bids nationwide and were linked to multiple scams involving the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
“So it’s impossible that they can be considered as a state witness for all those crimes that they’ve committed. Choice nila ‘yun,” he added.
Clavano also warned that the government will take strong action against witnesses who refuse to cooperate with ongoing investigations.
“Kung gusto talaga nila na maging uncooperative, then the government has no choice but to run after them with every ounce of effort that we can muster,” he said.
He further confirmed that the couple will lose their protection under the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Witness Protection Program.
“Yes, definitely [they will lose it]… It is a prelude to being a state witness. But we think, there’s absolutely no chance right now kung maging hostile sila sa atin,” Clavano explained.