NBI Transports Discaya to Cebu Amidst Flood Control “Ghost Project” Scandal

NBI Transports Discaya to Cebu Amidst Flood Control “Ghost Project” Scandal

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

MANILA, Philippines – Sarah Discaya, the contractor at the center of a P96.5 million flood control “ghost project” scandal in Davao Occidental, was flown to Cebu City on Friday afternoon, December 19, under heavy escort by agents from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). The move signals a significant development in the case, which has sparked public outrage and demands for accountability at the highest levels of government.

Discaya, owner of St. Timothy Construction, surrendered to the NBI in anticipation of an arrest warrant stemming from charges filed by the Office of the Ombudsman. The warrant, originating from a Cebu court, necessitates her presence in the province for legal proceedings.

NAIA Departure Under Scrutiny

A seven-agent NBI security detail accompanied Discaya on the flight, departing from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 2. Standard operating procedures were strictly adhered to, with the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group (PNP-AVSEGROUP) meticulously documenting each weapon carried by the escort detail. The group was temporarily situated within the PNP Aviation Security office in the departure lobby, allowing for the completion of necessary paperwork and security checks.

Adding to the intrigue, NBI Acting Director Lito Magno was present at NAIA earlier in the day, en route to Cagayan on a separate domestic flight. Director Magno confirmed that the Discaya case was formally raffled, assigning jurisdiction to a Cebu court. “The warrant for Ms. Discaya’s arrest originated from Cebu,” he stated, emphasizing that Cebu authorities will now oversee the next steps in the legal process.

“Ghost Project” Allegations and Public Outrage

The charges against Discaya and Maria Roma Rimando, president of St. Timothy Construction, stem from a meticulous investigation by the Office of the Ombudsman. The investigation alleges that a P96.5 million flood control project in Davao Occidental was never executed, despite the complete disbursement of public funds – a classic “ghost project” scenario. The Ombudsman’s probe, led by Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano, involved a thorough review of documentation, on-site assessments, and sworn statements from community members, establishing “probable cause to file criminal charges.”

The case 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. The hashtag #ArrestTheBigFish has been trending on social media, reflecting the widespread belief that Discaya and Rimando are merely pawns in a larger game, and that powerful figures, potentially including senators and congressmen, are pulling the strings behind the scenes.

Ombudsman Uncovers Systemic Corruption

The Ombudsman’s investigation has implicated several former officials from the DPWH Davao Occidental District Engineering Office (DEO), including:

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

These individuals have been formally charged with malversation of public funds, a non-bailable offense under Philippine law.

DOJ Vows Asset Recovery; Discaya’s Cooperation Key?

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has publicly affirmed the government’s commitment to pursuing justice in the case, signaling a zero-tolerance approach to corruption. The Department of Justice (DOJ) has pledged to pursue all legal avenues to recover illicit assets obtained through the alleged scheme, including 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.

A Test of Government’s Anti-Corruption Stance

The revelation of this “ghost” flood control project serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of corruption on public services. 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 pressure is now on for authorities to deliver more arrests – and to target the “big fish” – demonstrating a genuine commitment to rooting out corruption at all levels. All eyes are now on Cebu as the legal process unfolds, with the public eagerly awaiting further developments in this high-profile case.