CONTRACTOR couple Pacifico and Cezarah Discaya have decided not to cooperate anymore with the ongoing investigation of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) into the anomalous multi-billion flood control projects.
This was disclosed by ICI Executive Director Brian Keith Hosaka at a press briefing following the appearance of the couple before the commission on Wenesday.
‘They invoked their right against self-incrimination and manifested that they will no longer cooperate with the investigation being conducted by the ICI,’ Hosaka, who is also spokesman for the commission, said.
Hosaka said the Discayas cited the recent interview of ICI member and former public works secretary Rogelio Singson expressing his personal belief that they are not qualified to become state witnesses since they cannot be considered as the least guilty.
‘Basically, 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[es],’ Hosaka said.
Hosaka belittled the impact of the Discayas’ non-cooperation with the ICI, saying that the body’s investigation and case build-up would continue.
He explained that ICI will still take into consideration the testimonies and evidence provided by the couple when they previously appeared before the commission on September 30 and October 7.
‘Nonetheless, I believe that our investigation continues. Whatever was said by them and by other witnesses is still sufficient for us to continue our investigation, build our case, and file the necessary recommendation to the Ombudsman,’ Hosaka stressed.
‘We still have sources of information or evidence that will allow us to build our case,’ he added
16 more on Ilbo list
THE Department of Justice has approved the recommendation of the ICI to issue an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (Ilbo) for 16 more individuals being linked in the latest corruption scandal in the country.
The individuals include former congresswoman Mary Mitzi Cajayon-Uy and contractor Arturo Atayde, Alvin Tan, Bong Marasigan, Elmer de Leon, Ed Fuentebella, Johnny Santos, John Mary Vianney Parago, Alvin Mariano, Ryan Uy, Darryl Recio, Nestor Venturina, and Benjie Tocol.
Also included on the Ilbo are three officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways namely District Engineer Aristotle Ramos, District Engineer Michael P. Rosaria, and Engineer Angelita Garucha.
The Ilbo is an advisory issued to the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to monitor and report any attempts by the named individuals to leave the country.
However, an Ilbo will not prevent an individual from leaving the country as it is only meant to alert authorities that he or she is leaving, the purpose of travel and the destination.
An Ilbo was earlier issued by the BI covering more than 40 public works officials and contractors upon the recommendation of the Senate and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon for their alleged involvement in the anomalous flood control projects.
Calabarzon, Las Piñas projects
A LAWMAKER on Wednesday urged the ICI to summon all individuals linked to the alleged P18.5 billion in questionable government projects in Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) and Las Pinas.
Las Piñas Rep. Mark Anthony Santos, assistant majority leader, called on the ICI to summon Carlo Aguilar, owner of several construction firms such as I and E Construction, Omnicon Builders, and Zero One Construction and Trading.
He said Aguilar should be made to appear before the ICI to explain his companies’ involvement in numerous Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) contracts from 2022 to 2025.
Citing official DPWH records, the lawmaker said that I and E Construction handled 33 infrastructure projects in Las Piñas from 2022 to 2025, while Omnicon Builders and Zero One Construction managed 39 and 33 projects, respectively. Another group of companies owned by Sarah Discaya reportedly bagged 13 projects worth P452 million over the same period.
‘If the ICI truly seeks the truth behind billions in unaccounted projects, then no one should be spared from questioning-not even relatives of powerful politicians,’ Santos said.
Reports have linked Aguilar’s I and E Construction to at least P18.5 billion worth of projects in Calabarzon and Las Piñas, said the lawmakers.
Santos warned that excluding Aguilar from the hearings could erode public trust.
‘This selective investigation undermines the commission’s credibility,’ he said. ‘The public deserves full accountability, not protection of political allies or relatives.’