The Office of the Ombudsman and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will investigate the alleged connections between the Discaya couple and CLTG Builders, a construction firm associated with close allies of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Ombudsman Boying Remulla said in a dzBB interview that couple Curlee and Sarah Discaya refused to explain their joint venture with CLTG Builders, which has been reported to have business ties with the family of a Duterte ally in the Senate.
‘Today, uumpisahan na namin ang pag-iimbistiga sa CLTG Corporation at ‘yung links nito sa Discaya Company simula 2016,’ Dizon told reporters. (Today, we will start investigating the CLTG Corporation and their links to the Discaya Company starting 2016.)
The probe comes as the Discaya couple declared they will no longer cooperate with the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), which is conducting a separate inquiry into irregular public works contracts.
Charges vs Discayas. Dizon said the first set of charges against the Discayas is already being prepared for filing before the Sandiganbayan in the coming weeks.
The couple allegedly controlled nine companies involved in rigged biddings and ghost projects tied to public infrastructure spending.
Go distances self
Bong Go, a senator closely associated with Duterte has denied any involvement in his relatives’ businesses or any dealings with the Discayas, saying he is willing to cooperate with investigators.
He lamented, however, that the probe seems to be going backward.
‘Huwag niyo po ipahid sa ‘kin ang dumi para kayo ang pumuti. Huwag naman ganun,’ Go said in a statement. (Do not wipe dirt on me so you can look whiter. Do not do that.)
The senator also acknowledged the possibility that his name may have been used for influence without his knowledge during his time as Duterte’s special assistant.
Should his relatives be found guilty of such, the senator said he was willing to be the complainant if any cases were to be filed.