Senator Rodante Marcoleta stood firm on Monday in defending his push to fast-track the inclusion of spouses Sarah and Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya in the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Witness Protection Program (WPP), arguing that their safety must come before bureaucratic delays.
The Discaya couple, who have admitted to playing a role in the controversial flood control projects, earlier volunteered statements and claimed to possess documents and ledgers that could shed light on how the funds were funneled to politicians. Marcoleta said these admissions make them crucial witnesses whose lives are now in danger.
“Sinasabi ng mga discaya na ‘meron po kaming mga dokumento eh’ dapat sana tuntunin nila. ‘Meron po kaming mga ledger’; di naman nila hinahanap kung nasaan ang mga ledgers, dapat ‘yon ang tanungin nila sa mga Discaya,” Marcoleta pointed out.
He explained that under the Witness Protection Program Act, individuals may be covered if their testimony is indispensable and if they or their family members face threats to their lives.
“Sa section 10 ay sinasasabi rin walang ibang direct evidence na maglilink sa iba pero kakailanganin mo ang kanyang testimony, isa sa requirement ‘yon eh. Na sila, they’re not the most guilty at hindi pa sila na-convict ng krimen involving moral turpitude, ” he said.
Marcoleta also took aim at Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla and Senate President Vicente Sotto III for citing restitution as a condition for protection.
He stressed that restitution is not among the legal requirements: “‘Yong restitution na sinasabi ng secretary of justice na ‘yon naman ang pinagbasihan ng senate president hindi po kasama sa requirements para lang ikaw ay makapag-apply under the witness protection program. Bakit po bumaliktad ang secretary of justice?”
Responding to criticisms that he was rushing the process, Marcoleta insisted urgency was warranted.
“Sila po ay nagkusa na guumawa ng salaysay, at kung malalagay ang kanilang buhay sa alanganin, sa peligro, sa kamatayan, hindi ko ho hihintayin na dumating ‘yon. Gagawin ko katungkulan ko sa ilalim ng batas. Kung sinasabi nilang nagmamadali ako, maaaring nagmamadali ako sapagkat ‘yon ang kailangan, para sila’y mailigtas,” he declared.
Marcoleta’s appeal adds another layer to the ongoing debate over the status of the Discayas, whose testimonies are expected to play a significant role in the investigation of the alleged flood control anomalies.
While he underscores the urgency of providing them protection, other officials remain cautious, raising questions on whether the couple qualifies under the law.
The DOJ has yet to make a final decision on the matter, leaving the Discayas’ fate—and the weight of their statements—in the balance as probe into the multi-billion peso flood control projects continue.
