Malacañang has disclosed the reason behind the withdrawal of Curlee and Sarah Discaya from cooperating with the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) in its ongoing probe into the flood control scandal involving the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
According to Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro, the couple decided to pull out after learning that the ICI would not recommend them as state witnesses, citing that they were “not the least guilty” among those implicated in the alleged irregularities.
Castro, however, downplayed the couple’s refusal to cooperate, saying their absence would not significantly affect the outcome of the investigation.
“Hindi lang naman sila ang sole witness, marami pa ang maaaring magbigay ng impormasyon at matitibay na ebidensiyang magtuturo kung sino ang mga dapat managot, tingin ko hindi naman sila kawalan,” Castro said.
She added that substantial evidence has already been gathered from the DPWH officials involved, who have provided detailed accounts of how the funds were allegedly divided and distributed among certain individuals.
“Sa mga isinangkot na opisyal ng DPWH pa lamang ay mabigat na ang mga ebidensiya dahil idinetalye ng mga ito kung paano hinahati ang perang nakulimbat at kung sino-sino ang mga binigyan,” she noted.
Malacañang reiterated its full support for the ICI’s investigation, emphasizing that accountability will be pursued regardless of who cooperates or refuses to testify.