The Department of Justice (DOJ) stood firm on Wednesday: the government’s investigation into the alleged flood control project anomalies will move forward — with or without the cooperation of contractor couple Pacifico “Curlee” and Sarah Discaya.
Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon made it clear during a press briefing that the investigation doesn’t hinge on the Discayas’ participation.
“We are not dependent on what the Discayas have to say or have to offer,” Fadullon said firmly. “We can proceed with whatever investigation we believe we can go on.”
Earlier, the Discayas withdrew from cooperating with the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), which has been digging into alleged irregularities in multimillion-peso flood control projects.
According to ICI Executive Director Brian Hosaka, the couple backed out after seeing a media interview with Commissioner Rogelio Singson, who clarified that no one had yet qualified to become state witnesses in the case.
Meanwhile, the Office of the Ombudsman confirmed that the Discayas would not be eligible to turn state witnesses due to their deep involvement in the anomalies.
Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano described them as “hostile witnesses” — saying they could only be charged as respondents, not protected as state witnesses.
When asked about the possibility of reconsidering this stance, Fadullon explained that the DOJ cannot yet determine hostility until it reviews the couple’s official statements.
“Hostility means one does not want to cooperate,” he said. “But in our department, we cannot say that for sure until we see what they actually submit.”
Fadullon also reminded the public that simply giving statements or dropping names doesn’t automatically make someone a state witness.
“Let’s be clear,” he emphasized. “Just because you give a statement doesn’t mean the department will immediately decide to consider you a state witness.”
He added that specific details matter — not just accusations.
“It’s not enough to just mention names,” he said. “You need to present the facts and specifics that can actually help the case.”
As the probe continues, the DOJ reiterated that it remains committed to uncovering the truth — with or without those who choose to walk away.
