Contractors Pacifico “Curlee” and Cezarah “Sarah” Discaya have decided to stop cooperating with the Independent Commission for Infrastructure’s (ICI) inquiry into alleged irregularities in flood control projects.
ICI executive director Brian Keith Hosaka confirmed the couple’s decision in a press conference on Wednesday, October 15, shortly after they appeared before the commission for the third time. The Discayas had previously been questioned regarding contracts flagged in the government’s infrastructure review.
Meanwhile, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced on the same day that the bicameral conference committee discussions on the proposed ₱6.793-trillion national budget for 2026 will be livestreamed for public viewing. The bicam deliberations reconcile differences between Senate and House versions of the General Appropriations Bill before it is signed into law.
In a separate report, a recent Pulse Asia survey revealed that 97 percent of Filipinos believe corruption remains widespread, with many respondents considering it a “normal” aspect of Philippine politics. The poll, conducted from September 27 to 30 among 1,200 adults, underscores persistent public distrust in government integrity.
Vice President Sara Duterte also addressed issues involving the International Criminal Court (ICC), saying it “does not matter who prosecutes” her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, since the “prosecutor’s role and their need for defense remain the same.”
The statement came after reports surfaced that ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan was disqualified from handling the case over alleged crimes against humanity during the Duterte administration.
However, human rights lawyer and ICC Assistant to Counsel Kristina Conti told the Philippine Daily Inquirer she found no substantial reason for Khan’s disqualification. “As disclosed, he had assisted a group of victims in sending a communication to the Office of the Prosecutor prior to his appointment. We see no significant or fundamental conflict of interest between the victims and the Office of the Prosecutor,” Conti said.
