Vico Sotto Says Discayas Tried to Reach Out Before House Hearing

Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto revealed on Tuesday that Pacifico “Curlee” and Cezarah Rowena Discaya — the couple at the center of the controversial flood control projects — allegedly attempted to contact him through a mutual friend just days before the House infrastructure committee hearing.

Alleged Attempt to Set a Meeting

Sotto, who was present during the House hearing, disclosed in an ambush interview that a common friend had informed him of the Discayas’ request.

“As late as Thursday morning, meron pong nag-text sa akin na common friend na nakikipag-set si Mr. Discaya ng meeting. Siyempre, hindi ko papatulan iyong gano’n. Bakit ako makikipag-usap sa kanya, ngayon pa?” the mayor said.

The Pasig mayor added that he had no intention of entertaining such a meeting.

State Witness Angle

According to Sotto, the couple may be seeking to position themselves as state witnesses.

“Hindi naman natuloy iyong meeting. Pero may nabanggit doon na [tungkol sa] state witness. So, siguro iniisip niya, baka makatulong ako sa kanya. Pero sa akin, hindi. Dapat ilabas natin kung ano ang katotohanan,” he said.

Inconsistencies in Testimonies

Sotto also flagged what he described as glaring inconsistencies in the Discayas’ sworn statements. While the couple claimed to have handled “hundreds, if not thousands” of government projects over 23 years, they only named 26 individuals in their testimony.

“Kung totoo iyong sinasabi nila, anong nangyari doon sa hundreds or thousands of other projects? Bakit 26 [persons] lang iyong nasa listahan? Ang tanong, paano nila napili kung sino iyong nasa listahan na iyon? Sino iyong papangalanan nila? Obviously, there is a lie somewhere,” he argued.

The mayor emphasized the need to scrutinize the couple’s claims carefully. He warned that accepting their testimonies at face value could derail efforts to uncover the truth.

Ongoing House Investigation

The House infrastructure committee is currently investigating anomalous flood control projects involving billions in public funds.

The Discayas, known contractors, have filed sworn statements naming several lawmakers, government officials, and contractors allegedly tied to the scheme. Their revelations have become central to the ongoing probe.

Call for Rigorous Verification

For Mayor Sotto, however, such testimonies should not be treated as fact without thorough validation.

He reiterated that lawmakers, the media, and the public must remain critical, underscoring the importance of careful fact-checking and verification before drawing conclusions.