Ridon says contractors not qualified for state witness status

House Infrastructure Committee chairperson Terry Ridon stated that contractors Pacifico and Sarah Discaya are not qualified to be state witnesses.

Ridon argued that the Discayas' involvement in orchestrating payoffs disqualifies them from state witness status.

He explained that the case involves three key parties: the contractors who received payments, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials involved in project implementation, and potentially corrupt politicians.

According to Ridon, all these parties would be considered principally accused in any ensuing criminal charges.

He outlined the legal qualifications for a state witness, which include the absolute necessity of their testimony, corroboration, absence of other direct evidence, no prior convictions, and not being the most guilty among the accused.