Curlee Discaya Seeks Temporary Freedom Despite Facing a Non-Bailable Case
DISCAYA – Despite facing a non-bailable charge, Curlee Discaya’s camp is making a move that could potentially secure her freedom while the case is being heard in court.
The legal team of contractor Curlee Discaya has filed a petition for bail before the court in an effort to secure her temporary release while facing a non-bailable criminal case.
Discaya was officially arrested by authorities on June 8, 2026, in connection with a non-bailable charge of malversation of public funds involving the falsification of documents related to allegedly anomalous flood control projects in Bulacan. She is currently detained at the Bulacan Provincial Jail in Malolos, Bulacan, together with other individuals accused in the same controversy.
During a media interview on Friday, June 19, Discaya’s lawyer, Atty. Cornelio Samaniego III confirmed that their camp had already submitted a petition for bail to the court. According to him, the filing of such a petition remains legally permissible despite the non-bailable nature of the case.
“Nag-file kami for petition for bail. Hindi naman ibig sabihin na ‘pag non-bailable ay hindi na talaga siya puwedeng mag-file ng petition for bail,” he said.
Samaniego explained that the court would still evaluate whether the evidence of guilt is considered strong or not before deciding on the petition. He noted that the court has the discretion to determine whether temporary liberty may be granted to an accused person facing a non-bailable offense.
“Kasi kahit na non-bailable, titingnan ‘yan ng Korte. It is a matter of… discretion kung ang guilt ay strong,” he said.
“Pero kung maa-appreciate ng Korte na ang guilt is not strong sa petition for bail namin ay lalaya ‘yan kahit na non-bailable,” he added.
In the same interview, Samaniego also addressed Discaya’s current condition inside the detention facility. He emphasized that she is not receiving any special treatment and is staying under the same conditions as other persons deprived of liberty (PDLs).
“Okay naman siya. Kasama niya ‘yong ibang PDL. Wala namang special treatment diyan na nangyayari,” he said.
The lawyer further disclosed that Discaya has reportedly developed skin rashes due to the extreme heat and overcrowded conditions inside the jail.
“Medyo hirap din siya kasi mainit. Mainit sa loob, maraming PDLs kaya medyo nahihirapan siya. Then nagkaroon nga siya ng skin rashes na sa sobrang init talaga sa loob,” he shared.
Before her current detention, Discaya had previously spent nine months in Senate custody after being cited in contempt during the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearings in September 2025.
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