Back namedropping with proof, Palace says of Discayas’ claims

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro (PNA file photo by Joan Bondoc)

By Darryl John Esguerra, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – Malacañang on Monday urged controversial contractors Pacifico “Curlee” and Cezarah Rowena “Sarah” Discaya to substantiate their claims linking lawmakers and government officials to anomalous flood control projects, saying President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. supports a full investigation but not baseless accusations.

“Ang gusto naman talaga ng Pangulo ay malawakang imbestigasyon at malaman natin ang katotohanan. Ang ayaw lang naman ng Pangulo ay kung magna-namedrop nang walang ebidensya (The President really wants a wide-ranging investigation so we can know the truth. What the President does not want is name-dropping without evidence),” Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a press briefing in Cambodia, where Marcos is on a three-day state visit.

Castro stressed that if credible witnesses can prove alleged links of some lawmakers and local officials to anomalous projects, Marcos would accept the evidence for possible inclusion in cases to be filed.

She added that the Palace is open to granting protection to the
Discaya couple, who earlier hinted at turning state witnesses.

“Kailangan naman po talagang mabigyan [ng protection] ang mga witnesses na talagang may kinalaman sa mga facts and data about this; kailangan po talaga ng proteksyon at hindi naman po ’yan ipagkakait ng pamahalaan (Witnesses who are really have the facts and data about this really need to be given protection; protection is really needed and the government will not deny that),” she said.

The Palace official, however, cautioned against selective revelations, citing Sarah Discaya’s earlier claim that their flood control contracts began in 2016.

“Pero sana nga po, ang gusto nating madinig sa lahat ay ‘yung kabuuang kwento. Baka kasi nagiging selective lang sila (What we really want to hear is the whole story, because they might be being selective),” Castro said

The Discayas, who are linked to several blacklisted contractors, claimed they had dealings with influential politicians and government officials during a Senate inquiry on flood control project anomalies. They named lawmakers and officials allegedly asking for “kickbacks.”