The Ombudsman has ordered the filing of graft and non-bailable malversation charges before the Digos Regional Trial Court against government contractor Sarah Discaya and nine others in connection with a non-existent ₱96.5 million flood control project in Davao Occidental.
The contract was awarded to Discaya’s construction firm, St. Timothy Construction Corporation.
The case includes charges against eight Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials and company representative Ma. Roma Angeline Romando.
Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano explained that the case was filed before the RTC because the highest-ranking official involved holds Salary Grade 25.
“Now it’s still possible that there are proponents in these cases that have yet to be uncovered… So we went ahead and filed the case, but that does not stop us from collecting more evidence that will show that there are proponents or higher officials involved in this case,” he said.
The DPWH officials have also been placed under a six-month preventive suspension.
DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon earlier flagged the ‘ghost’ retaining wall in Jose Abad Santos, which was reported completed in 2022 and fully paid in 2023 but remains unfinished. The project was awarded during the Duterte administration in 2021.
President Bongbong Marcos, in a video message, directed law enforcement to prepare for arrests.
“I have directed the DILG and the PNP to ensure they know the whereabouts of the Discaya at iba pa para paglabas ng arrest warrant ay maaresto na sila,” he said.
A request for a hold departure order is being readied. This marks the Ombudsman’s second case filing in the flood control scandal, following charges earlier filed against former Ako Bicol Representative Zaldy Co and 15 others over a ₱290 million substandard dike project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.