Sotto rejects WPP bid for flood control contractors

Senate President Vicente Sotto III declined to sign a letter from Senator Rodante Marcoleta recommending that flood control contractors Sarah and Curlee Discaya be placed under the Department of Justice's Witness Protection Program (WPP).

Marcoleta's request, addressed to Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, cited the Discaya couple's testimonies in the Senate blue ribbon committee probe into anomalous flood control projects and reported threats to their safety.

Sotto had previously stated that those seeking government protection must return stolen funds and tell the truth, implying inconsistencies in the Discaya couple's statements.

He also noted that accepting them into the program would be unfair to taxpayers if they had misappropriated public funds.

Marcoleta had suggested provisional immunity for the Discaya couple, owners of St. Gerrard Construction, who have implicated several individuals in the investigation.

However, Representative Terry Ridon stated that the Discayas cannot qualify as state witnesses and may face plunder charges, as they are considered among the most culpable in the anomaly.