DOJ not amused by Sarah Discaya’s ‘heart’ sign
Controversial contractor Cezarah “Sarah” Discaya’s “heart sign” and remarks to the media when she appeared at the Department of Justice (DOJ) drew the agency’s ire, with an official saying it would be factored into the evaluation of her bid to be state witness.
“The heart sign and the remarks of Ms. Sarah Discaya are all taken into account in the assessment and evaluation of the persons involved. It is a sign of insincerity and complacency,” DOJ spokesperson Jose Dominic Clavano IV told reporters in a Viber message on Sunday.
Case buildup
“We urge all persons of interest in this case to behave accordingly,” Clavano added.
Partly because of their own publicity efforts, the Discayas have stood out among the 15 contractors identified by President Marcos who secured 404 flood control projects worth P30 billion in just three years.
On Saturday, the couple attended the DOJ’s case buildup against personalities linked to anomalous flood control projects on Saturday.
As she entered the agency’s lobby, Sarah Discaya initially ignored reporters’ questions but, midway through, turned toward the cameras, tilted her head, and flashed a “finger heart” sign popularized by Korean pop celebrities.
Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya II, arrived separately, wearing a bulletproof vest and escorted by security.
During congressional hearings, the couple had offered to turn state witnesses and named several lawmakers as well as officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) who allegedly demanded kickbacks of up to 25 percent after awarding them government projects.
The Discayas are now considered “protected witnesses” under the DOJ’s provisional Witness Protection Program (WPP) while applying for state witness status—a designation that could absolve them of criminal and civil liabilities.
‘Restitution’
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, who was initially reluctant to place the Discayas under the WPP, had explained that those who testify and seek DOJ assistance may be given protected witness status, which entitles them to security and other benefits.
After Saturday’s meeting, Sarah was asked by reporters to share what transpired inside at the DOJ, but declined to give details, instead saying: “Gandahan niyo yung memes ko (Make my memes look good).”
Aside from the Discayas, former public works engineers Henry Alcantara, Brice Hernandez, Jaypee Mendoza and Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo have also been granted provisional protected witness status.
During the DOJ’s initial assessment last week, Remulla noted that some of them were “showing good faith” and making gestures of “restitution.”
“They’re showing their good faith. They’re showing that they really want to tell the truth, and they are backing it up with documents and notes they have gathered through the years, so this is a good development,” Remulla said on Sept. 24, referring to Mendoza and Hernandez.
