The Daily Tribune
Floodgate attracts new witnesses
SYMS Construction owner Sally Santos has been granted physical protection by the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee amidst an investigation into anomalous flood control projects.
Santos identified former Bulacan 1st district assistant engineer Brice Hernandez and construction division chief Jaypee Mendoza as individuals she fears might harm her and her family.
Spouses Pacifico "Curlee" Discaya II and Sarah have formally appeared before the Department of Justice for the evaluation of their application to be admitted to the Witness Protection Program (WPP).
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla announced the DOJ is evaluating additional individuals for the WPP, expecting two to three more witnesses to come forward next week.
Remulla stated that potential witnesses, including one from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), have sent feelers to the DOJ.
He added that the Discaya couple must first return any money they allegedly obtained illegally before they can be considered for state witness status and immunity from suit.
The Department of Finance has estimated that the Philippine economy lost up to P118.5 billion from 2023 to 2025 due to corruption in flood control projects.
During a Senate hearing, Curlee Discaya refused to answer questions regarding contracts awarded to their companies between 2016 and 2022, and was cited in contempt for lying about his wife Sarah's absence from the hearing.
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Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla confirmed that contractor Pacifico "Curlee" Discaya is currently being evaluated by the Department of Justice for potential entry into the Witness Protection Program (WPP) following his testimony before lawmakers.
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ICC prosecutors have formally charged former president Rodrigo Duterte with murder and attempted murder as crimes against humanity, alleging he was an "indirect co-perpetrator" in the drug war killings.
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The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) is investigating Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials for alleged document tampering related to anomalous flood control projects.
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A contractor admitted to paying kickbacks ranging from 10% to 25% of project funding to Quezon City officials and DPWH employees to avoid project issues.
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President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has ordered contractors of "ghost" and substandard flood control projects to finish the works at their own expense, with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) seeking to freeze assets and recover costs.
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