Justice Secretary Boying Remulla has rejected proposals to place Sarah and Curlee Discaya under the government’s Witness Protection Program (WPP) and turn them into state witnesses in connection with the anomalous flood control projects.
In a media briefing on Friday, September 12, Remulla made it clear that he has no intention of signing off on any move to grant the Discasya couple state witness status unless they first return the public funds they allegedly pocketed.
“Ang pagka-nomina sa whistleblower act, para ma-include ka dyan, may mga conditions tayo, and isa sa mga conditions talaga kasi nga, given what we know about the case, yung restitution naman, kasi ibang level na to,” Remulla said.
The DOJ chief also stressed that the couple must fully disclose all details, particularly the lawmakers allegedly involved in the corruption scheme.
“Kailangan sabihin ang buong katotohan, hindi pwedeng selective… talagang sinabi ko kay Senate President (Tito Sotto) na kung ako talaga, ayaw kong (pag)bigyan yan,” he emphasized.
Earlier, Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III also refused the request of Deputy Minority Leader Rodante Marcoleta to place the Discasya couple under WPP, calling it a political trap.