CONTRACTOR couple Pacifico “Curlee” and Cezarah “Sarah” Discaya have withdrawn their cooperation with the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) in its investigation into alleged irregularities in government flood control projects.
ICI Executive Director Brian Keith Hosaka confirmed the development in a press conference on Wednesday, October 15, following the couple’s third appearance before the commission.
“Upon the advice of their counsel, they invoked their right against self-incrimination and declared that they will no longer take part in the ongoing investigation,” Hosaka said.
Hosaka explained that the couple initially believed they could receive a favorable recommendation from the commission to become state witnesses in exchange for their cooperation.
He said the couple referred to a recent interview by broadcast journalist Karen Davila with ICI Commissioner and former Public Works Secretary Rogelio “Babes” Singson, where the possibility of recommending state witnesses was discussed.
“Based on their understanding, Commissioner Singson said—in his personal opinion—that he has yet to see anyone qualified to be recommended as a state witness,” Hosaka said.
Hosaka clarified, however, that Singson’s remarks represented his personal opinion and not the official position of the commission.
“Because of this, the couple informed us that they will no longer appear before or cooperate with the ICI,” Hosaka added.
Despite their withdrawal, Hosaka said the commission will continue to make use of the Disayas’ earlier testimonies, sworn statements, and submitted evidence.
Curlee, who remains in Senate custody, arrived at the ICI office around 12:50 p.m., while Sarah entered through the back entrance at around 12:55 p.m. to avoid the media. The hearing began shortly after 1 p.m.
Following the session, the couple’s lawyer, Atty. Cornelio Samaniego III, declined to answer questions from reporters. “No comment for now,” he said, noting that they intend to hold a separate press conference but have yet to set a date.
The October 15 hearing marked the couple’s third appearance before the commission, following their earlier sessions on September 30 and October 7.
During their first appearance, Samaniego described their testimony as a “tell-all,” saying the couple had answered all questions from the commission. “We disclosed everything—the money, the people involved, and the transactions. There’s no turning back,” he said then.
At their second hearing, the Disayas requested a postponement to give them time to gather additional documents requested by the commission.
While the couple has now ceased cooperation, Hosaka assured that the ICI’s work will continue.
“We have enough witnesses and information to sustain the probe, build the case, and submit our recommendations to the Ombudsman,” he said in Filipino.
He added that the commission continues to collect information and testimonies from other sources.
“We will consolidate all the evidence and statements to establish what truly happened in the flood control projects,” Hosaka said.
“We are determined to uncover the truth and identify those who are truly accountable,” he concluded.
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