Atty. Cornelio Samaniego III, legal counsel for the Discaya family, stated that the recent malversation and corruption charges over a P96.5-million flood control project against Curlee and Sarah Discaya appear to be politically motivated, insisting that the family is being unfairly targeted.

In an interview on DZRH’s Damdaming Bayan, Samaniego explained that the case seems to single out the Discayas, while other contractors involved in public works projects have not faced similar scrutiny.

Samaniego also questioned attempts to link the family to projects during the Duterte administration, noting that the Discayas had no flood control projects at the time.

“Pilit po silang inuugnay sa Davao. Ano ba meron sa Davao, [mga] Duterte? Eh wala nga po silang flood control project nung time ni Duterte. Puro bridges and buildings. Malalaman naman ho ‘yan sa DPWH,” the legal counsel said.

“Pilit ho silang inuugnay from 2016 to 2022. So, Bakit gano'n? Kaya mukhang politika ito talaga eh. Gusto nilang iugnay sa Duterte administration,” Samaniego added.

He added that Curly Discaya is already detained, while other family members, including Sarah Discaya, face potential non-bailable charges, raising concerns for the welfare of their children.

The family has filed petitions and motions for extension of time, with responses expected by December 14, Samaniego said.