MANILA — They wanted protection — now they’re facing prosecution.

Mamamayang Liberal Rep. Leila de Lima lashed out at controversial contractor couple Curlee and Sarah Discaya on Wednesday after they abruptly withdrew from the Independent Commission for Infrastructure’s (ICI) investigation into the multibillion-peso flood control scandal.

“Simula pa lang, nadismaya na tayo sa mga Discaya. Their testimonies are selective and limited,” she fumed. “Tigil-tigilan na rin nila ‘yung pagdadahilan na kaya hindi na sila makikipagtulungan ay dahil hindi sila na-consider as state witness.”

De Lima, known for her anti-corruption crusades, said the couple’s refusal to continue testifying was nothing but an attempt to dodge accountability.

“Ilang beses na ba silang naimbitahan sa mga hearings — sa Kongreso, Senado at ICI? If they failed to prove they are worthy of being state witnesses, that’s on them. Problema nila ‘yan,” De Lima said. “Tell-all daw pero hanggang ngayon binibitin pa nila ang DOJ. They should have told the whole truth.”

The Discayas, who had previously testified before Congress and the ICI, withdrew their cooperation after learning they were not being considered for the government’s Witness Protection Program.

ICI Executive Director Atty. Brian Hosaka confirmed the withdrawal, stating that the couple invoked their right against self-incrimination and refused to answer further questions.

“They appeared before the commission and, upon the advice of counsel, invoked their rights and manifested that they will no longer cooperate,” Hosaka said in a press briefing.

The move came just days after an interview between journalist Karen Davila and ICI Commissioner Rogelio “Babes” Singson, who flatly rejected the idea of turning implicated contractors into state witnesses.

“We have not even thought about it,” Singson said in the October 13 interview posted on YouTube. “They are the principal players.”

That remark apparently broke the Discayas’ hopes — and their cooperation.

Sworn Statements Could Still Be Used Against Discayas — De Lima

Rep. De Lima reminded investigators that the couple’s previous sworn statements and affidavits could still be used against them.

“What they already confessed under oath in Congress and stated in the affidavits they submitted so far can be used against them,” she said. “It is now up to the ICI, the DOJ, and the Ombudsman to gather additional evidence versus the Discayas and all those who are involved.”

The former senator also urged authorities to gather DPWH project files, AMLC reports, and other documents linking the Discayas to the alleged kickback scheme.

She went further — calling on the NBI to raid the couple’s homes and offices for corruption records they “admitted are in their possession.”

And she didn’t mince words about what she thinks should happen next. “Ikulong na ‘yan, mga kurakot!” De Lima declared.

Investigation to Proceed

Despite the Discayas’ withdrawal, Hosaka emphasized that the ICI’s investigation would continue without disruption.

“The commission has multiple sources of information,” he said, noting that any testimonies, documents, and evidence previously provided by the couple would remain part of the official record.

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