The camp of private contractor Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya denied allegations that he took part in anomalous flood control projects after he was transferred from Senate custody to the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group on Monday morning.
Discaya was turned over to the CIDG following the issuance of an arrest warrant by a Malolos City court in connection with charges of malversation through falsification of public documents. The case stemmed from alleged irregularities in flood control projects.
The warrant, issued by the Malolos City Regional Trial Court, also covered Discaya’s wife, Cezarah Rowena “Sarah” Discaya.
Discaya had been detained at the Senate since September last year after he was cited in contempt by the Blue Ribbon Committee. CIDG personnel escorted him out of the Senate after securing clearance from the chamber’s medical unit.
In a chance interview, Discaya’s lawyer, Cornelio Samaniego, said his client was saddened by the development, claiming Discaya merely told the truth about the alleged flood control kickback scheme.
“Nalulungkot nga siya dahil nagsalita siya ng katotohanan sa flood control, eh siya pa yung makukulong ngayon. Nakakalungkot para sa kanya yun,” Samaniego said.
Samaniego said no promise was made to Discaya in exchange for his appearance before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee. He said his client only complied with the panel’s summons and shared what he knew about alleged irregularities in the Department of Public Works and Highways.
The lawyer maintained that Discaya is a legitimate contractor and denied that he participated in anomalous flood control projects.
“Legal siyang contractor so we deny the allegations. Lahat ng nakuha niyang kontrata ay dumaan sa bidding process,” Samaniego said.
He also denied that Discaya voluntarily gave kickbacks, saying his client was allegedly pressured to release money.
“Hindi siya nagbigay, hiningan. Magkaiba yung nagbigay ka at hiningan at napipilitang magbigay,” he said.
Samaniego said Discaya would not receive special treatment while in custody and would be placed in a regular detention cell despite having undergone shoulder surgery more than a month ago.
He said the defense would present evidence before the proper forum to prove Discaya’s innocence.