By Benjamin Pulta | Philippine News Agency
Contractor couple Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya and Cezarah Rowena “Sarah” Discaya are in no position to demand concessions to become state witnesses, Prosecutor General Richard Fadullon said Thursday.
“I don’t think they’re in a position to demand anything at this time. They’re applying for supposedly witness protection coverage. And we have our procedures to determine whether or not they will be qualified,” Fadullon said in an interview with reporters.
“It is not for anybody to dictate to us how we will go about doing the evaluation. It is not for anybody to impose any conditions. In fact, we will do the evaluation and determine whether or not they will be qualified to be admitted into the program,” he said.
Among the requirements to qualify for the Witness Protection Program are minimal participation by a would-be witness in criminal offenses where they are to testify, their willingness to fully cooperate in providing information, and returning any public funds received.
“Kapag nag-e-evaluate ka kasi, hindi pwede ‘yung sabihin mo na, ‘kaliwaan tayo, I’ll give a statement; give us security,” he said.
Fadullon said a state witness must be able to provide a detailed account that would complete the prosecution of a case.
“Is it enough that you mention names? Is it enough that you mention amounts of money given to certain people? You have to be able to validate that and go into the details, the specifics. Saan nangyari ‘yan? Sinong kausap ninyo? Was it in cash or was it by bank transfer?” Fadullon said.
“All of these are being asked or going to be asked to determine credibility. Because you cannot just simply run around mentioning people’s names without being able to give supporting documents or evidence to show that it did really happen. Ang iniisip kasi ng mga tao is blanket immunity,” he added.
In the meantime, he said the Discayas have not yet formally informed the Department of Justice (DOJ) that they are no longer interested in cooperating with the government, as earlier reported by the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI).
“Nabigla kami, but as far as the department is concerned, wala pa naman pahiwatig na sila ay hindi magpapatuloy makipag-usap sa amin.”
