NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Discaya, Co-Accused Plead Not Guilty In P96.5M 'Ghost' Flood Control Project Case
Photo credit: Senate PH
Businesswoman Sarah Discaya and eight co-accused formally entered not guilty pleas on Tuesday in connection with the alleged P96.5-million “ghost” flood control project in Davao Occidental.
Joining Discaya at the arraignment were Maria Roma Rimando, president of the Discaya-owned St. Timothy Construction, and several Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials. They are facing charges of malversation of public funds and graft filed by the Office of the Ombudsman.
The arraignment took place on January 13 at Regional Trial Court Branch 27 in Lapu-Lapu City, where the accused denied the allegations read in court. The judge also denied motions to quash the information and to allow the accused to remain in custody of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). As a result, the accused remain detained at Lapu-Lapu City Jail.
The court has set the pre-trial conference on February 3, 2026, marking the next key step in the high-profile case. The trial is expected to reveal more details about how the project was approved, funded, and allegedly not implemented.
The case has drawn national attention due to the alleged misuse of funds intended for flood control, highlighting ongoing concerns about transparency and accountability in government infrastructure projects.
Joining Discaya at the arraignment were Maria Roma Rimando, president of the Discaya-owned St. Timothy Construction, and several Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials. They are facing charges of malversation of public funds and graft filed by the Office of the Ombudsman.
The arraignment took place on January 13 at Regional Trial Court Branch 27 in Lapu-Lapu City, where the accused denied the allegations read in court. The judge also denied motions to quash the information and to allow the accused to remain in custody of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). As a result, the accused remain detained at Lapu-Lapu City Jail.
The court has set the pre-trial conference on February 3, 2026, marking the next key step in the high-profile case. The trial is expected to reveal more details about how the project was approved, funded, and allegedly not implemented.
The case has drawn national attention due to the alleged misuse of funds intended for flood control, highlighting ongoing concerns about transparency and accountability in government infrastructure projects.
Jan 13, 2026
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