Contractors Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya and his wife Sarah appeared at the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Friday to pursue their application for the Witness Protection Program (WPP).
Curlee arrived early in the morning wearing a bulletproof vest and escorted by Senate security and police personnel. Sarah followed a little later, and by noon the couple had completed their appointment. Curlee was then returned to Senate custody, where he has been detained after being cited in contempt for allegedly lying during a recent flood control project inquiry.
According to DOJ spokesperson Mico Clavano, the couple met with Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla and WPP officials. Curlee also read his affidavit for assessment. “Kailangan po maging truthful, kailangan po sabihin ang lahat ng nalalaman nila. We cannot afford to be selective in this process dahil po that will affect, no, their application sa pagiging protected witness,” Clavano stressed.
The Discayas have earlier expressed their willingness to testify against lawmakers, staff, and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials allegedly linked to irregular flood control projects. However, Justice Secretary Remulla previously rejected their bid, saying they withheld critical details.
Clavano noted that sincerity is crucial, adding that returning any ill-gotten wealth could demonstrate credibility. “It shows sincerity of the witnesses if they are willing to acknowledge that they have taken money in an illegal manner… and give back what is not rightfully theirs,” he explained.
He also reminded that witness protection is a privilege that can be revoked if testimony is proven false or misleading, which could even lead to perjury charges.
The DOJ clarified that being a protected witness under the WPP is different from being a state witness, the latter requiring a court discharge. Clavano emphasized that all potential witnesses must undergo thorough vetting and that the process is coordinated with the Independent Commission for Infrastructure, created by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
“This is a call to all those who are involved to come forward with their information,” Clavano said, stressing that the DOJ remains open to anyone who is ready to tell the truth.
