Sotto: Boying Remulla agreed to keep Curlee Discaya, others in Senate

Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III said Friday that he previously made an agreement with then-Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla that embattled contractor Pacifico "Curlee" Discaya II remain under Senate detention amid the investigation into flood control project anomalies. 

To recall, the camp of Discaya earlier filed a habeas corpus petition, almost a month since he was first cited in contempt by the Senate.

The Senate on Thursday stood firm in its decision in citing Discaya in contempt, saying that the order was issued within the upper chamber's constitutional authority.

According to Sotto, Discaya and other personalities cited in contempt by the Senate blue ribbon committee will continue to be detained in the Senate. He stressed that the contempt powers of the upper chamber is "primary."

"I believe we are on the right track, on the right path because mas madali nga. Blessing in disguise na na-contempt namin sila sapagkat 'pag kailangan sila ng DOJ at kailangan sila ng ICI, madaling imbitahin galing dito. Hindi kailangan hanapin, hindi kailangan…walang makakapagtago," he said in an ambush interview. 

(I believe we are on the right track, on the right path because it is easier [for everyone]. It's a blessing in disguise that we had them cited in contempt because whenever the DOJ or the ICI needs them, it's easier to invite them from here. There is no need to look for them… no one will be able to hide.) 

Aside from Discaya, former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) engineers Henry Alcantara, Brice Hernandez, and Jaypee Mendoza are also currently detained inside the Senate premises after being cited in contempt. 

Asked if they will no longer be pulled out from Senate custody, Sotto said, "Before Secretary Remulla became Ombudsman, 'yan ang usapan namin (that's what we agreed upon)."

"Anong gagawin nila, wala pa naman silang nafa-file. Saan nila ikukulong? Pakakawalan? Kapag pinakawalan 'yun at kailangan, eh baka hindi um-attend, baka magsakit-sakitan," he added. 

(What can the DOJ do when charges haven't been filed? Where will they be placed? Will they be freed? If you free them and compel them to attend a hearing, they may longer attend and just pretend to be sick.) 

Remulla took his oath as the new Ombudsman on Thursday.

Curlee Discaya, his wife Sarah, Alcantara, Hernandez, and Mendoza are currently considered as protected witnesses under the Department of Justice's Witness Protection Program, as announced by Remulla last month. — VDV, GMA Integrated News