The Department of Justice (DOJ) criticized the demeanor of Cezarah “Sarah” Discaya during her appearance before the agency, calling her actions a display of “insincerity and complacency,” Philippine Star reported.
DOJ spokesperson Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano said that Discaya’s finger-heart gesture and her remarks to the media are being “taken into account in the assessment and evaluation of the persons involved.” He urged those linked to the case to “behave accordingly.”
Discaya and her husband, Curlee, both tied to alleged irregularities in flood control projects, arrived at the DOJ on Saturday. She avoided answering questions from reporters but flashed a finger heart upon entering the building. When leaving, she again declined interviews but quipped: “Gandahan niyo ’yung memes ko.”
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla earlier clarified that while the Discayas and former Department of Public Works and Highways engineers are under protective custody, they must still pass strict evaluation before being accepted as state witnesses. Failure to qualify would mean their criminal and civil liabilities remain.
From 2022 to 2024, construction firms connected to the Discayas reportedly won around 421 government contracts worth over P31 billion, mostly for flood control projects. Of this, companies founded by the couple secured P25.2 billion from 345 projects.
