DEPARTMENT of Justice (DOJ) spokesperson Mico Clavano has publicly criticized Sarah Discaya’s behavior, specifically her finger heart gesture and lighthearted remarks, after she was placed under the agency’s Witness Protection Program.
Clavano stated that these actions were taken into account during the assessment of those involved, viewing them as signs of “insincerity and complacency.”
The criticism came after Sarah Discaya and her husband, contractor Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya II, returned to the DOJ as part of the ongoing case buildup regarding alleged anomalous flood control projects.
While the couple and their lawyer declined to issue formal statements, Sarah made a finger heart sign to the media upon entering the DOJ headquarters. Later, when asked about her appointment, she jokingly requested reporters to “make good memes about me.”
Clavano’s remarks highlight the seriousness with which the DOJ is treating the case and its expectations of witnesses under its protection.
The Discayas, along with several former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) engineers, have been placed under the Witness Protection Program. However, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has clarified that they are not yet considered state witnesses and are not necessarily free from criminal liability.
