Contractor couple invokes right against self-incrimination before ICI

Contractor couple Pacifico and Cezarah Discaya invoked their right against self-incrimination before the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) on October 15, citing advice from their counsel.

They will no longer cooperate with the ICI's investigation into alleged anomalous flood control projects after learning that no one has yet qualified to be a state witness.

The Discayas had expected to be considered as state witnesses upon cooperating with the ICI.

ICI Executive Director Brian Hosaka confirmed their non-cooperation but assured the investigation will proceed, as the commission has already obtained several documents and testimony from the couple.

The Office of the Ombudsman called the Discayas' decision 'misguided,' stating that cooperation with the government is their only option.

Last week, the Bureau of Internal Revenue filed multiple tax complaints with the Department of Justice against the couple and a corporate officer over P7.1 billion in tax liabilities from 2018 to 2021.

Quezon City's government has terminated four projects linked to the Discaya firms.

Since 2016, construction firms owned by the couple have been awarded P77.9 billion worth of 1,214 flood control contracts by the Department of Public Works and Highways.