THE SO-CALLED King and Queen of ghost projects are no longer cooperating with the investigation being conducted by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) into the flood control scandal.
The probable reason — the Discaya couple (Curlee and Sarah) must have realized that they were duped by a former top official of the Department of Justice who promised to make them state witnesses.
In a press conference held immediately after Curlee and Sarah Discaya’s third appearance at the commission’s hearing, ICI executive director Brian Keith Hosaka admitted that the couple has opted to “invoke their right to self-incrimination.”
“Upon the advice of their counsel, they invoked their right to self-incrimination and manifested that they will no longer cooperate with the investigation being conducted by the ICI,” Hosaka told reporters.
WRONG NOTION
When sought to elaborate on the couple’s sudden decision, Hosaka hinted at the statement issued by former Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson in his capacity as ICI member.
Hosaka disclosed part of what the Discayas said during the ICI hearing.
“Actually, they were thinking that when they cooperate with the ICI, they’ll be getting a favorable recommendation from the commission as state witnesses.”
The contractor couple allegedly took a swipe at a recent interview of journalist Karen Davila with ICI member Singson.
CANDID SINGSON
During the interview, Singson was asked to speak about the commission’s recommendation of state witnesses, for which the ICI member candidly replied — “They’re not least guilty. They are not. They are principal players.”
“Nakinabang na yang mga yan. Tama na. Nagalit na ang mga tao dahil sa kanila tapos bibigyan mo ng state protection to be able to get away from further cases and enjoy from benefits of their anomalous practice, wag naman,” he added.
Interestingly, Singson was quick to clarify that what he had just said was his personal opinion and not of the three-member body.
REBUKING DISCAYA
A visibly pissed off Hosaka then took a swipe at what looks more like a bargaining chip being used by the Discaya couple to get away from the criminal liability arising from the anomalous transactions embarking on government-funded public infrastructures.
“So because of that, they are now saying that they will no longer appear before the commission and cooperate,” he added.
Hosaka however noted that the ICI will still use the evidence, testimonies (under oath), and affidavits of the contractor couple in the past commission hearings.
Curlee is currently billeted at the Senate detention center after being cited in contempt by the Blue Ribbon Committee.
NO COMMENT MUNA
Lawyer Cornelio Samaniego III in his capacity as legal counsel of the Discaya couple refused to answer the queries of the media.
“No comment muna,” said Samaniego, who assured that they would call for a press conference. He however did not elaborate as to when or where the press con would take place.