Bicol Saro Partylist Representative Terry Ridon believes the Discaya family, alleged key players in the anomalous flood control projects, cannot qualify as state witnesses given their own admissions of involvement in the corruption scheme.

During an interview on DZRH’s Isyung Pambayan, Ridon likened their role to that of Janet Lim Napoles in the pork barrel scam.

“Talagang parang malabo na sila maging state witness kasi ang status nila parang sila yung Janet Lim Napoles nitong flood control project eh. Inamin naman nila sa kanilang affidavit, inamin nila sa kongreso na noong 2022 onwards sila yong nagbibigay ng pera sa mga politiko,” Ridon said.

He added that under the law, a state witness must not be the most guilty party. In this case, the Discayas’ own admissions point to direct complicity.

“Parang conspirator ka na, parang principal ka na sa krimen ng corruption pagka inamin mo na yon… ang requirement ng state witness ay una ikaw yung [dapat] hindi most guilty, eh parang sila ‘yong pinaka guilty,” Ridon explained.

He also cited reports that the Department of Justice requires the family to return money if they seek such protection.

Ridon further questioned the selectivity of the Discayas’ testimony, saying: “Yong paglaki ng kanilang pera nagsimula yon hindi 2022 kundi 2016, 2017 panahon ng mga Duterte. Parang yong sinasabi na may pinipili lang silang pangalanan na kongresista at mga personalidad,” he noted, echoing skepticism earlier expressed by Senate President Tito Sotto.

The lawmaker also commented on developments regarding detained whistleblower Brice Hernandez, whose security has been a concern.

“Kapag nag-testify sya ulit sa huwebes ay hindi na sya ibabalik sa Pasay City Jail. I think mas okay ang magiging kalagayan ni Brice Hernandez sa senate premises kumpara sa pasay city jail,” Ridon said.

He confirmed that another whistleblower, JP Mendoza—who previously presented photos of stacks of cash allegedly linked to the scam—had requested to return home last Friday to be with his family.

“Hangad pa rin namin yong kanyang kaligtasan at ng kanyang pamilya katulad ni Brice Hernandez, silang dalawa ni JP Mendoza ang nagbigay ng napaka detalyadong pagpapakita nung pagkakasabwat ng matataas na tao dito sa flood control scam,” he added.

Ridon said the House Committee on Infrastructure is likely to resume hearings next week, shifting focus from Bulacan cases to alleged overpriced “rock netting” projects in Benguet.

“Talagang overprice yong mga rock netting scheme, kumbaga ang presyo pang-European standard pero ang brand pang-China,” he remarked.