MANILA — Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla has raised suspicions that contractors Pacifico “Curlee” and Cezarah “Sarah” Discaya may be deliberately withholding cooperation to shield Senator Christopher “Bong” Go and their joint ventures with his family’s construction firm from the ongoing probe into flood control projects.
In an interview on Bilyonaryo News Channel’s program “On Point,” Remulla said the Discaya couple — among the country’s most active flood control contractors — appeared to have gone silent after learning that immunity from prosecution would not be automatically granted.
“I think they’ve been protecting Bong Go, the joint venture that they had with CLTG, with the family of Bong Go. That’s one of the people they’ve been protecting, to be blunt about it,” Remulla said.
The Discayas earlier confirmed their partnership with CLTG Builders, a company owned by Go’s father, which obtained several public works contracts in Davao.
Senator Go has repeatedly denied any involvement in his father’s business, saying he has no role in its operations.
Remulla disclosed that the Office of the Ombudsman is now examining possible “prohibited interests” and “conflicts of interest” surrounding the case.
“Kasi nga yung mga prohibited interest, conflict of interest, isa iyan sa special areas of concern in researching the culpabilities of people so we can have restitution,” he explained.
The Discayas previously told senators that some members of the House of Representatives allegedly demanded cuts from their flood control projects. However, their testimony was criticized for focusing only on projects under the Marcos administration while avoiding those awarded during the Duterte years.
Meanwhile, Secretary Vince Dizon confirmed that both the Department of Public Works and Highways and the Office of the Ombudsman are probing the Discayas’ business links to CLTG Builders.
“We are looking at connections between the Discayas and CLTG Corporation,” Dizon said, adding that the investigation will include contracts from the previous administration.
Dizon dismissed insinuations that his past association with Go when he was in Malacañang could influence the investigation.
“Whether I worked with someone or not, any allegation of corruption needs to be taken to the end and that is our job,” he said, stressing that the President’s directive is clear — no one will be spared, regardless of administration./PN
