Ombudsman files graft, malversation raps vs Discayas over ghost projects in Davao Occidental
The Office of the Ombudsman has filed graft and malversation complaints against contractors Sarah and Curlee Discaya, along with other officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways in Davao Occidental, over nearly P100 million in alleged ghost projects.
Filed in the Digos City Regional Trial Court on Friday, Dec. 5, the charges involve P96.5 million in alleged ghost flood control projects.
Also named in the complaints, alongside the Discayas, are Ma. Roma Angeline Rimando of St. Timothy Construction Corporation, and several DPWH officials from the Davao Occidental District Engineering Office, including District Engineer Rodrigo Larete, Assistant District Engineer Michael Awa, and several section chiefs, project engineers, and inspectors.
"After a thorough investigation, reviewing voluminous documents, conducting field verification, and evaluating sworn statements from community witnesses, the Office of the Ombudsman has found probable cause to file criminal charges in connection with an alleged P96.5 million ghost infrastructure project in Davao, Occidental,” Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said in an earlier press conference.
This came after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced the impending arrest of the contractor couple. In his video message on Friday, the president said that he has ordered the tracking down of the Discayas for their arrest.
Citing the Ombudsman’s findings, Marcos revealed that the project was listed as completed in 2022, but no implementation had actually begun. The discrepancy came to light during a Sept. 25 inspection by the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group.
“Kinumpirma ng mga indigenous peoples at barangay official sa kanilang joint affidavit na walang naganap na implementasyon ng proyekto," he said.
He also noted that the submitted final billing, certificate of completion, and inspection reports were falsified.
"I have directed [the] DILG and the PNP to ensure that they know the whereabouts of Discaya at no’ng iba pa para paglabas ng arrest warrant ay maaresto na sila kaagad,” Marcos said.
Closure of Discaya-owned companies
Meanwhile, the local government of Pasig has ordered the closure of nine Discaya-owned firms due to their failure to pay P1.1 billion in taxes, as well as the lack of an occupancy permit. Their license to operate from the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board was also canceled.
The companies are as follows:
- Alpha and Omega General Contractor and Development Corp
- Amethyst Horizon Builders and General Contractor, and Development Corporation
- Elite General Contractor and Development Corporation
- Great Pacific Builders and General Contractor
- St. Gerrard Construction General Contractor and Development Corp
- St. Timothy Construction Corp
- Waymaker OPC
- YPR General Contractor and Construction Supply
- St. Matthew General Contractor & Development Corporation
The Discayas were thrown into the spotlight when Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto, whom Sarah unsuccessfully ran against in the midterm elections, posted about their controversial interviews with Korina Sanchez and Julius Babao. In the interviews, the couple talked about their "inspiring" rags-to-riches life story, showcasing their dozens of luxury cars and other assets. Babao asked them what served as their "gateway" to have a better life, and Sarah answered, "Noong nag-DPWH kami."
After Sotto's posting, the couple's story unraveled and opened a can of worms. It led to flood control projects being the talk of the town, a Bureau of Customs chase, the revocation of the Discaya companies' licenses, and congressional hearings.
