Discaya’s Arrest in P96.5 Million “Ghost” Project: A Mere Tip of the Iceberg? Pressure Mounts for Arrests of “Big Fish” Before Christmas

Contractor Sarah Discaya finds herself entangled in significant legal issues. Her mugshot reflects the gravity of several allegations, including the misappropriation of public funds associated with a scandal involving a flood control project in Davao.

Discaya’s Arrest in P96.5 Million “Ghost” Project: A Mere Tip of the Iceberg? Pressure Mounts for Arrests of “Big Fish” Before Christmas

By Bing Jabadan – TheNATIONWEEK.Com | December 19, 2025

MANILA, Philippines – The arrest of contractors Sarah Discaya and Maria Roma Rimando in connection with a P96.5 million flood control scam in Davao Occidental has ignited a firestorm of public outrage, with many demanding that authorities cast a wider net and bring the masterminds – the so-called “big fish” – to justice before the Christmas holidays. 

The case, involving a non-existent flood control project, has exposed deep-seated corruption within the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and raised serious questions about oversight and accountability in government infrastructure projects.

Sarah Discaya, owner of St. Timothy Construction, proactively surrendered to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in anticipation of an arrest warrant. Upon arrival, the warrant was executed, and she was subsequently detained at the NBI facility in Muntinlupa after processing. Maria Roma Rimando, president of St. Timothy Construction, was apprehended separately by the Philippine National Police (PNP).

These arrests stem from a meticulous investigation conducted by the Office of the Ombudsman, which recently filed charges against Discaya, Rimando, and several former officials from the DPWH Davao Occidental District Engineering Office (DEO). 

The core allegation centers on a P96.5 million flood control project that investigators claim was never executed, despite the complete disbursement of public funds – a classic “ghost project” scenario.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. has publicly affirmed the government’s commitment to pursuing justice in the case. “We will relentlessly seek justice,” he declared at a recent press briefing, signaling a zero-tolerance approach to corruption.

Ombudsman Uncovers Systemic Corruption: A Web of Deceit

The Ombudsman’s investigation, spearheaded by Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano, meticulously pieced together a complex web of deceit. 

The probe involved a thorough review of extensive documentation, rigorous on-site assessments, and the collection of sworn statements from community members.

Clavano stated that the investigation established “probable cause to file criminal charges related to the alleged P96.5 million ghost infrastructure project in Davao Occidental.” 

The findings point to a calculated conspiracy designed to defraud the government and divert public funds for personal enrichment.

In addition to Discaya and Rimando, the following DPWH Davao Occidental DEO officials have been formally charged:

• Rodrigo Larete
• Michael Awa
• Joel Lumogdang
• Harold John Villaver
• Jafael Faunillian
• Josephine Valdez
• Ranulfo Flores
• Czar Ryan Ubungen

The filing of criminal charges against these individuals in the Regional Trial Court (RTC) in Digos City, Davao del Sur, marks a crucial step toward accountability. The charge of malversation of public funds, a non-bailable offense under Philippine law, underscores the gravity of the alleged crimes.

Beyond the Contractors: Calls for Accountability Reach Higher Echelons

While the arrests of Discaya and Rimando are significant, they have also fueled public skepticism. Many believe that these contractors are merely pawns in a larger game, and that powerful figures – potentially including senators and congressmen – are pulling the strings behind the scenes. 

The hashtag #ArrestTheBigFish has been trending on social media, reflecting the widespread demand for accountability at the highest levels of government.

“This is just the beginning,” an Overseas Filipino Worker stated. “We need to follow the money trail and expose the individuals who authorized and benefited from this brazen theft. The public deserves to know who these ‘big fish’ are.”

DOJ Vows Asset Recovery; Discaya’s Cooperation Could Offer a Path to Further Revelations

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has pledged to pursue all legal avenues to recover illicit assets obtained through the alleged scheme. This includes tracing and seizing properties, bank accounts, and other assets linked to the individuals involved. 

The DOJ has acknowledged Discaya’s early surrender, which could potentially lead to a lighter sentence if she provides full cooperation and valuable information about the broader network of corruption.

The revelation of this “ghost” flood control project serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of corruption on public services. It underscores the critical need for increased transparency, robust oversight mechanisms, and unwavering accountability in government operations.

The ongoing investigation and prosecution of those implicated will be closely scrutinized as a crucial test of the government’s commitment to combating corruption, ensuring the responsible use of public funds, and restoring public trust. 

The case is expected to serve as a deterrent to potential wrongdoers and discourage future corrupt practices within the DPWH and other government entities. 

The pressure is now on for authorities to deliver more arrests – and to target the “big fish” – before the year’s end, demonstrating a genuine commitment to rooting out corruption at all levels.