Sarah Discaya, 8 DPWH execs face raps over ghost projects in Davao Occidental

The Office of the Ombudsman is set to file non-bailable malversation charges and graft against contractor Cesara Rowena “Sarah” Discaya and eight officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in its Davao Occidental District Engineering Office in the P96.5 million “ghost” infrastructure project in 2022.

- By CZARINA NICOLE ONG KI

Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano on Friday, Dec. 5, said the charges will be filed before the Digos City regional trial court (RTC).

Clavano said that in the malversation charges, once the RTC issues a warrant of arrest those accused will be detained pending trial.

The filing of the cases in court will be done after thorough investigation, review of voluminous documents, conduct of field verification, and evaluation of sworn statements from community witnesses, he said.

To be charged are District Engineer Rodrigo C. Larete, Assistant District Engineer Michael P. Awa, and several section chiefs, project engineers, and inspectors.

Aside from Sarah Discaya, also to be charged is Ma. Roma Angelin Rimando of St. Timothy Construction Corporation.

Clavano said they will be charged with violations of Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019, the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, Article 217 in relation to Article 171 and 172 of the Revised Penal Code or Malversation of Public Funds through Falsification of Public Documents.

Marcos orders DILG, PNP to ensure arrest of accused President Marcos has ordered the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to ensure the immediate arrest of Discaya and the accused once the courts issue arrest warrants.