Senate President Vicente Sotto III has rejected a request by Senator Rodante Marcoleta to include contractor couple Pacifico “Curlee” and Cezarah “Sara” Discaya in the government’s Witness Protection Program (WPP). The Discayas, owners of St. Gerrard Construction, have testified extensively in ongoing investigations, including flood control corruption probes, and Marcoleta argued they deserve protection due to threats and their continued role as witnesses.
Despite these pleas, Sotto declined to sign the request, leaving the couple outside the WPP’s safeguards. The decision sparked debate, with proponents emphasizing the couple’s cooperation and risks, while opponents highlight procedural or legal limitations. The Discayas’ testimony has been pivotal in several Senate inquiries exposing alleged kickbacks and irregularities, making their safety a pressing concern amid the widening corruption scandals.
This refusal highlights tensions in balancing witness protection with legislative oversight and hints at ongoing challenges ensuring secure environments for key figures in high-profile investigations. The case remains a focal point in broader efforts to tackle corruption and strengthen transparency in government projects.