Senator Rodante Marcoleta, in a press briefing on Monday, September 15, 2025, addressed allegations linking him to the controversial Discaya couple in the ongoing Flood Control Project investigation. 

Marcoleta clarified that it was not his initiative to have the Discayas apply for witness protection, but rather, the couple voluntarily sought it themselves. As then-chairman of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, he said his role was limited to ensuring compliance with the law.

He cited Republic Act 6981 or the Witness Protection, Security and Benefit Act, specifically Section 3 and Section 10, which outline the requirements for admission into the state’s witness protection program.

“Unang-una po, nasa pagiimbestiga palang tayo, kanino kukukunin at papano idi-determine ang halaga na ibabalik ng mga Discaya kung sakasakali…” Marcoleta explained, stressing that determining restitution is not part of the legal criteria for witness protection.

Marcoleta added that the Discayas claim to possess important documents and ledgers critical to the investigation, which justifies their need for state protection.

Responding to accusations that he was rushing the process, the senator defended his actions, saying, “Kapag hiningi nila with their consent sapagka’t nanganganib ang buhay nila. Hindi ka ba magmamadali? Ilalagay ko po ba sa kamay ko ang kaligtasan ng mag-asawa na ‘yun.”

Marcoleta also underscored that the decision on the credibility of the Discayas’ sworn statements does not rest with him.

“It is not for me to render judgment dun sa kaniyang [Discaya] sworn statement… Wala po kaming karapatang husgahan ang sworn statement ng isang taong gustong magpahayag sa kanilang saloobin na may kinalaman sa pagiimbestiga nito,” Marcoleta said.

The senator reiterated that his actions were guided by RA 6981 and his responsibility as Blue Ribbon Committee chair at the time. He maintained that protecting potential state witnesses, especially when their lives are at risk, is part of due process.

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