Malacañang agreed to admit the Discaya Contractor Couple into the Witness Protection Program (WPP) on September 24, but only after they surrendered their ‘ill-gotten’ wealth as proof of good faith.
Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro discussed whether there should be additional requirements before a witness undergoes protection during a Senate hearing this week.
Castro stated that the Department of Justice (DOJ) can set reasonable conditions, even though the Witness Protection, Security and Benefit Act does not categorically impose extra requirements for admission.
“Malaya po na makapagbibigay ng mga risonableng requirements or mga kondisyon ang DOJ bago maisama ang isang witness under the Witness Protection Program (The DOJ is free to impose reasonable requirements or conditions before including a witness under the Witness Protection Program),” she explained.
She added that, according to RA 6981 Section 5, witnesses must cooperate with all reasonable requests from government officers and employees who are providing protection under the Act.
Castro also said any witness asking the state protection must first commit in telling the whole truth, including their own liabilities.
“Kapag sinabi nilang ‘tell all,’ ibig sabihin pati iyong liabilities nila ay dapat na maisiwalat (When they say "tell all," it means even their liabilities should be disclosed),” she highlighted.
The Palace official argued that Discayas must return what they allegedly took if they were to admit stealing public funds.
Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya II and his wife, Cezarah “Sarah” Cruz Discaya, are contractors still under investigation for their alleged involvement in corruption schemes about the questionable flood control and infrastructure projects.
