Amid the Flood Control Mess, DPWH Chief Vince Dizon Gives Updates
DPWH CHIEF – Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon said non-bailable cases are set to be filed soon against contractors Curlee and Sarah Discaya.
Countless Filipinos are disappointed by the flood control mess in the Philippines. Several senators and congressmen were linked to the supposed multi-billion flood control corruption in the country. President Bongbong Marcos ordered the creation of an independent commission that will investigate the issue.
Following the order of the President of an independent body armed with powers to investigate the infrastructure projects of the government, the Independent Commission for Infrastructure or ICI was created. It is a three-member body that is currently probing the issue.
The ICI had invited several individuals linked to the flood control issue in its closed-door hearings. Among those that came for the investigation are contractors Curlee and Sarah Discaya.
The Discayas were the first ones to link congressmen to the flood control issue in the country through their joint affidavit that was presented during a Senate flood hearing. They accused former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, resigned Ako Bicol Partylist Representative Zaldy Co, and congressmen Arjo Atayde, Roman Romulo, and Marcy Teodoro of allegedly receiving kickback from the flood control projects.
However, recently, ICI executive director Keith Hosaka announced that the Discayas withdrew from cooperating with the independent body on the flood control probe. The decision of the contractors came after ICI member Rogelio Singson claimed in an interview that no one has yet to qualify to become a state witness.
Recently, DPWH chief Vince Dizon confirmed that non-bailable cases are near to be filed against the Discayas. He confirmed that he and Ombudsman Boying Remulla have already talked.
âFinally, gusto ko rin i-iterate na base sa pag-uusap namin ng ating napakabilis at napakatapang na ombudsman, si Ombudsman Boying Remulla, kahapon after nung pagsasabi ng mga Discaya na nakakatawa lang, yung hindi daw sila willing mag-cooperateâang dami nga nilang kaso eh, sila nga yung unang kinasuhan natin eh,” the DPWH Chief said.
According to Dizon, he believes that Remulla will really take swifter actions on the filing of charges against the Discayas. He also confirmed that the cases will not allow them to post bail.
âNagtitiwala tayo na talagang bibilisan ni Ombudsman Boying ito at sinabi nga niya konti na lang at ma-file na yung kasong âyan. At alam naman nating lahat non-bailable âyan,â the DPWH Chief added.
Based on a report on PhilStar, a court in Pasay recently junked the Habeas corpus plea of contractor Curlee Discaya. Thus, he remains in Senate custody amid the legal proceedings.
Following the withdrawal of the contractors from their cooperation with the ICI, Ombudsman Boying Remulla expressed his belief that the Discayas are possibly protecting the Villars.