Lacson: Discayas' credibility in question for witness protection bid

Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson on Thursday, Sept. 11, said the qualification of contractors Cezarah

- DHEL NAZARIO

“Sarah” and Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya as possible state witnesses remains uncertain due to inconsistencies in their testimonies and their decision to retract statements before the House of Representatives.

During the Kapihan sa Senado forum, Lacson was asked if he favored Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III's decision not to sign the recommendation placing the Discayas under the Witness Protection Program (WPP).

Lacson pointed out that Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla had already declined the request, citing restitution as a condition.

"First of all, the Secretary of Justice already declined. He said that one of his conditions is restitution.

He also spoke with the Senate President, which is probably the basis for Senate President Sotto's decision not to sign the recommendation," Lacson said.

He explained that the earlier recommendation was made under the previous Blue Ribbon Committee chair and was already "outdated," stressing that he, as the new chairman, must validate and sign any such endorsement.

On whether the Discayas qualify, Lacson noted their retraction raised doubts.

"It's because they retractedwhen they got to the House, they were saying something different.

How can they qualify if their testimony isn't definite, if they say one thing in the House and another thing here?," he said.

While not ruling out the possibility, Lacson emphasized that the couple's credibility must first be tested through legislative immunity and the consistency of their testimony.

"If we follow the process, we should first grant them legislative immunity. That way, we can test their credibility as possible state witnesses depending on their testimony," he added.