Contractor Arrested in 96.5M Peso Ghost Flood Project

Cezarah Sarah Discaya, a public works contractor, was formally arrested on December 18 in connection with a 96.5 million peso ghost flood control project in Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental, authorities confirmed Friday. The National Bureau of Investigation served the warrant on Discaya, who had voluntarily surrendered to the agency on December 9 and remained in custody awaiting its issuance. She faces nonbailable charges of malversation of public funds and violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, along with nine co-accused, including Department of Public Works and Highways officials.

The case centers on a revetment project in Barangay Culaman, awarded in 2022 and certified as completed by involved parties, leading to full payment by the government. A September inspection by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group revealed no construction had taken place, exposing the scheme as nonexistent. The Office of the Ombudsman filed the charges, accusing Discaya, the owner of St. Timothy Construction, and others of conspiring to falsify public documents and facilitate the release of funds. Among the co-accused is Maria Roma Rimando, president of the same firm and...