MANILA (September 20) – Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya and his wife, Cezarah “Sarah” Discaya, met with Department of Justice (DOJ) officials in Manila on Friday to explore the possibility of becoming government witnesses.
The couple arrived separately, with Mr. Discaya brought in by a Senate vehicle after being cited in contempt the previous day. Both submitted affidavits for review to determine if their testimonies would qualify under the Witness Protection Program (WPP).
DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla reminded the public that WPP proceedings are confidential.
“It’s in the law—we have to be careful about what we say in public,” he said. “A state witness must tell the whole truth, and in the end, there should also be restitution of the amounts involved.”
Remulla did not confirm whether the issue of returning funds allegedly linked to anomalous transactions was raised in the meeting.
“It’s still confidential. But I think it was a relief for them to speak with people who are only after the truth. We don’t want anything else here,” he added.
The justice chief said the DOJ will coordinate closely with lawmakers handling the ongoing legislative inquiry and with the newly created Independent Commission for Infrastructure.
Meanwhile, DOJ spokesperson Mico Clavano IV clarified that the Discayas’ appearance was “part of procedure” and does not guarantee their admission into the WPP. Remulla earlier said the couple could only be considered as state witnesses if they fully disclose the truth.
