DOJ: Discaya info still incomplete, charges to be filed ‘in coming weeks’

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has set a timeline for the filing of cases against contractors Curlee and Sarah Discaya over anomalous flood control projects — with or without their statements.

This was confirmed by DOJ Officer-in-Charge Undersecretary Fredderick Vida on Monday, saying that while the presentation of the couple continues, the department remains unsatisfied as they have yet to submit a “tell-all” affidavit.

The Discayas, considered protected witnesses, have been visiting the DOJ for at least a month to assist in the case buildup for the ongoing probe. During a Senate inquiry, the couple expressed willingness to become state witnesses to be discharged from criminal liability.

When asked if the DOJ has set a deadline for the couple’s cooperation, Vida said the timeline is already in place.

“People are impatient. If we don’t find something satisfactory, we will file the appropriate cases with or without their statements. We will build the cases based on the evidence that we have,” Vida said.

He added that the DOJ is targeting to file cases related to the anomalous projects in the coming weeks.

“In the coming weeks, we will be filing… in coordination with the Ombudsman and the ICI, we will be filing the appropriate cases,” he said.

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) earlier recommended the prosecution of several lawmakers, including former Senate President Chiz Escudero and former House Appropriations Chair Zaldy Co.

Prosecutor General Richard “Dong” Fadullon said a panel of prosecutors will first conduct a preliminary investigation into the NBI’s recommendation before deciding whether to dismiss the cases or file them in court.

Fadullon noted that the DOJ is not bound to wait for the Discayas’ statements, saying, “We’ll only know their readiness once they are in front of investigators. We’ll evaluate it and see if it is sufficient for them to be considered as state witnesses.”

The DOJ declined to disclose which cases will be filed, noting that the decision will depend on the available evidence.

Vida, meanwhile, appealed for public patience, stressing that authorities cannot take shortcuts and must adhere to the rule of law.