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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Discayas still open to be state witnesses in flood control cases

Discayas still open to be state witnesses in flood control cases

Published Dec 10, 2025 01:18 pm
Contractor spouses Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya and Cezarah “Sarah” Discaya are still open to be state witnesses in the government’s probe on “anomalous” flood control projects.
This was disclosed on Wednesday, Dec. 10, by lawyer Cornelio Samaniego III, spokesperson of the Discayas, during an interview on DZBB.
Sarah surrendered on Tuesday, Dec. 9, to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in anticipation of an arrest order that may be issued against her by the Digos City regional trial court (RTC).
She and several suspended officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Davao Occidental have been charged with graft and non-bailable malversation of public funds through falsification of public documents.
Curlee has been under Senate detention since Sept. 23.
Ma. Roma Angeline Discaya Rimando, an executive officer of the Discaya-owned St. Timothy Construction, surrendered to police last Monday, Dec. 8.
Samaniego said that it is up to the government to utilize the Discayas as state witnesses “if the testimonies of the Discayas are material in convicting those whom the prosecutors want to be convicted.”
He pointed out, however, that only the courts will determine whether the Discayas have to return money to the government. “Only the courts will determine and order restitution,” he said.
On Sarah’s surrender to the NBI, Samaniego said that the issue had been discussed and the voluntary surrender was done to avoid harassment and other problems.
The surrender is “part of our legal strategies,” he explained.
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