Contractor couple cites right against self-incrimination, withdraws cooperation with ICI probe

Contractor couple Curlee and Sarah Discaya invoked their right against self-incrimination before the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) on October 15, withdrawing cooperation with the investigation into alleged anomalous flood control projects.

Their lawyer stated that despite withdrawing cooperation with the ICI, the Discayas stand by their previous testimonies and affidavits, which named several undersecretaries, congressmen, district engineers, and regional directors.

The couple had been cooperating with the Department of Justice (DOJ) for almost a month as protected witnesses for case build-up over anomalous flood control projects.

However, the DOJ has yet to receive confirmation that the Discayas will stop cooperating with them, and an officer-in-charge stated the department is not satisfied with the information they have provided.

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla suggested the Discayas might be protecting individuals like Bong Go, citing their joint venture of eight projects worth P800 million.

Bayan Chair Teddy Casiño stated that the Discayas' pull-out proves the ICI is 'toothless'.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue previously filed tax complaints against the couple for P7.1 billion in liabilities, and Quezon City terminated four projects linked to their firms.