Controversial business couple Pacifico “Curlee” and Cezarah Rowena “Sarah” Discaya appeared before the Department of Justice (DOJ) office in Manila on Friday morning to formally apply for the witness protection program (WPP) of the government.
Wearing a bulletproof vest and escorted by law enforcement authorities, Curlee arrived early at the building before his wife. Sarah came later wearing a baseball cap and her face covered with a mask. She was accompanied by their legal counsel Cornelio Samaniego.
Curlee and Sarah are central figures in the multibillion-peso flood control projects that turned into a major political scandal following allegations of corruption in recent months. They are accused of engaging in fraudulent business practices resulting in ghost projects facilitated through their multiple construction firms.
The Discayas attracted widespread public attention after brandishing their lavish lifestyle and admitting in their interviews with prominent journalists that their transactions with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) helped them build a massive fortune.
Lawmakers investigating the alleged anomalous projects already expressed doubts on their qualifications as state witnesses, considering their deep involvement and deliberate participation in the schemes, but the DOJ said it will still evaluate their case for the witness protection bid.
Editor’s Note: This story has been updated. Further revisions may follow as developments and new information arrive.
