The Office of the Ombudsman is set to file non-bailable charges before the Sandiganbayan against Curlee and Sarah Discaya for their alleged involvement in the multi-billion peso flood control scandal, Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon confirmed Thursday, as reported by RH Jecelle Ricafort.
In an interview at the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) office in Taguig City, Dizon said Ombudsman Boying Remulla is preparing to move forward with the case following the Discayas’ decision to stop cooperating with investigators.
“Nag-usap kami ni Ombudsman Boying kagabi noong nilabas ng mga Discaya ‘yong kanilang desisyon na hindi sila makikipag-cooperate. Sabi nga ni Ombudsman Boying, tignan natin sa mga susunod na linggo kasi ‘yong unang kaso na finile natin kasama ang mga Discaya ay magiging ready na ‘yon for filing sa Sandiganbayan,” Dizon said.
Alam n’yo naman non-bailable ‘yong mga kaso doon so, malapit nang magka-harap-harapan talaga dito,” he added.
He added that Remulla was “not pleased” with the couple’s refusal to cooperate, prompting the Ombudsman to expedite the legal process.
The Discayas are accused of being key players in the flood control scandal, which allegedly funneled billions through ghost and overpriced projects. Dizon said the ICI has also begun looking into CLTG Corporation and its links to the Discayas’ company.
Dizon likewise revealed that the government is intensifying efforts to recover stolen public funds.
“Today uumpisahan ang pag-iimbestiga sa CLTG Corporation at ‘yong links nito sa Discaya company,” he said, adding that the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) has frozen around ₱5 billion in related accounts.
Another ₱5 billion worth of air assets reportedly tied to former Ako Bicol Representative Zaldy Co are also under review.
Dizon assured that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will turn over all documents needed by the Ombudsman to support restitution and prosecution.
Nearly 20 government agencies — including the DOJ, DPWH, Bureau of Customs (BOC), and NBI — are now coordinating with the ICI for a unified asset recovery and case-building initiative against those involved in the corruption scheme.
