The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya and his wife, Cezarah “Sarah” Discaya, appeared before Department of Justice (DOJ) officials in Manila on Friday to explore the possibility of turning state witnesses.
The couple submitted affidavits for evaluation, but DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla stressed that admission to the Witness Protection Program (WPP) is not automatic and remains confidential.
“State witnesses must tell the whole truth, and in the end there must be restitution,” Remulla said, adding that discussions on the couple’s case cannot be disclosed publicly.
The Discayas’ meeting comes after Pacifico was cited in contempt by the Senate and brought in by a Senate vehicle. DOJ officials said their appearance was merely “part of procedure” and gave no assurance of their inclusion in the WPP.
Remulla assured that the DOJ will work closely with Congress and the newly created Independent Commission for Infrastructure in assessing their testimonies.