Dennis Gaviola

Article (news)

RG Cruz

ABS-CBN News

MANILA (UPDATED) - Former Senate Blue Ribbon Committee chairperson Rodante Marcoleta on Monday criticized Senate President Vicente Sotto III for rejecting his recommendation to grant witness protection to Sarah and Curlee Discaya after they testified before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee Investigation on the flood control scam.Marcoleta cited the political rivalry of the Discayas with Sotto&#x27;s nephew, Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto.&quot;Ako nga pwede ako magsabi na baka siya iyong may pagkukulang. Bakit niya dyina-judge sapagkat alam ko yung mga Discaya kalaban ang pamangkin niya sa politika,&quot; he said.Marcoleta also took exception to a statement of Sotto regarding having a lawyer lead the Blue Ribbon Committee and alleging that somebody edited the Discayas&#x27; sworn statement.&quot;How can the Senate President say this? What is his basis for doing this? This is a serious charge. Sino po ang nag-edit? Ako po bang pinatutungkulan niya?&quot; he said.Marcoleta claimed it is not for senators to decide whether the Discayas&#x27; sworn statement is factual.&quot;Ito yung sworn statement ng tao, you have no right to question that sa Blue Ribbon Committee. Kung ano yung pinahayag niya, it is for the court to appreciate that pagdating ng tamang panahon. Pero para i-judge mo ito, para i-judge mo na inedit ito, o may nagkabayaran dito, iba na po yung narrative nila,&quot; he said.Marcoleta rejected the reason cited by Sotto, that making restitution is a requirement before admission to the witness protection program.He earlier claimed that <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/9/15/marcoleta-says-discayas-need-not-return-money-to-become-state-witnesses-1137">the Discayas need not return money</a> to become state witnesses.He argued that restitution or the return of lost money was not a requirement under the Witness Protection, Security, and Benefit Act, also known as Republic Act No. 6981.Marcoleta defended his decision to seek witness protection for Sarah and Curlee Discaya, maintaining it was done in accordance with the Witness Protection, Security and Benefit Act.He added that he had no time to consult with other committee members when he made his recommendation.He also denied allegations that there was a &quot;quid pro quo&quot; with the Discayas.

Marcoleta claimed it is not for senators to decide whether the Discayas' sworn statement is factual.

Marcoleta claimed it is not for senators to decide whether the Discayas' sworn statement is factual.

Marcoleta blasts Sotto for rejecting witness protection for Discayas

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Marcoleta blasts Sotto for rejecting witness protection for Discayas

RG Cruz,

ABS-CBN News

Published September 15, 2025 05:59 PM PHT

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Updated September 15, 2025 06:56 PM PHT

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