Discaya, 8 DPWH Davao officials move to quash charges, warrants

On 19 December 2025, the cases of the accused were transferred to the Lapu-Lapu City RTC, where warrants of arrest were issued in connection with the case for malversation of public funds through falsification, involving the alleged P96.5-million ghost flood control project in Davao Occidental.

- 

Defense counsels questioned the venue of the case against DPWH Davao Occidental officials, saying the case should be heard in Malita, Davao Occidental, where the alleged crime was committed.

Yesterday marked the accused’s first court appearance, during which they presented their motion before RTC Presiding Judge Nelson Leyco.

Legal counsel for Larete presented a motion to quash the information, arguing that Supreme Court Office of the Court Administrator (OCA) Circular No. 328-2025—which orders the transfer of cases to an RTC in a judicial region other than that where the accused holds office—‘“does not apply to the case.”

The defense maintained that the case should instead be heard by RTC Branch 20 in Malita, Davao Occidental.

In an interview with the media, lawyer Joseph Randi Torregosa, said the rule applies only to high-ranking public officials with a salary grade of 27 or higher.