ICI Executive Director Speaks on Discayas amid Ongoing Flood Control Probe
DISCAYAS – Contractors Curlee and Sarah Discaya withdrew their cooperation with the Independent Commission for Infrastructure or ICI on the flood control investigation.
Amid the supposed multi-billion corruption in the Philippines through the flood control deals funded by the government, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. ordered the creation of an independent body that will probe the flood control issue. His order led to the formation of the ICI.
The ICI is chaired by Andres Reyes Jr., a former Supreme Court justice, with two (2) members — Rogelio Singson and Rossana Fajardo. Its executive director is Brian Keith Hosaka with former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Rodolfo Azurin as its special adviser. The independent has started conducting closed-door hearings as it investigates the flood control issue in the country.
The Discayas are among the contractors invited by the ICI to its flood control probe. Truth be told that Curlee and Sarah Discaya are undeniably the most prominent among the contractors who were tagged in the flood control mess. They are also among the first people to get intense criticisms as their past interviews that flaunted their lavish lifestyles went viral on social media amid the issue.
The Bureau of Customs secured the custody of some of the luxury cars owned by the Discayas. During a Senate hearing, Sarah Discaya admitted to owning nine (9) construction firms which have bid for the same projects of the DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways).
Amid the issue, the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB) revoked the contractor’s licenses of all nine (9) construction firms of the Discaya couple. they are the following:
- Alpha and Omega Gen. Contractor & Development Corp.
- St. Gerrard Construction and Development Corp.
- St. Timothy Construction Corp.
- St. Matthew General Contractor and Development Corp.
- Elite General Contractor and Development Corp.
- Amethyst Horizon Builders and General Contractor, and Development Corp.
- YPR General Contractor and Construction Supply Inc.
- Great Pacific Builders and General Contractor Inc., and
- Way Maker One Person Corp.
There were several instances when the Discayas were spotted at the headquarters of the ICI. However, recently, ICI executive director is Brian Keith Hosaka announced that the contractors withdrew their cooperation with the independent body on the flood control investigation. Based on a report on ABS-CBN News, their decision came after ICI member Rogelio Singson said in an interview that no one has yet qualified to become a state witness.
“No way. They are not the least guilty. They are not. They are principal players,” Singson told Karen Davila.
According to Hosaka, the Discayas withdrew their cooperation with the ICI on the flood control probe upon the advise of their lawyer. He revealed that they invoked their right against self-incrimination. The ICI Executive Director said the contractors were thinking of getting a recommendation to be admitted as state witnesses if they would cooperate.
“They explained that they were thinking that when they cooperate before the ICI, they will be getting a favorable recommendation from the commission as state witness,” Hosaka said.
Based on the report, the ICI Executive Director explained that the statement of ICI member Rogelio Singson qualified as his own and not by the commission. Meanwhile, despite the backing out of the Discayas, Hosaka stressed that there are lots of sources of information to build up the case.
Amid the flood control probe, there are speculations and accusations that the investigation will allegedly lead to Malacañang. Recently, Pres. Bongbong Marcos spoke anew on the flood control probe.