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Advocates Philippines
Ombudsman Files Charges Over P96.5-M 'Ghost Project' In Davao Occidental
Photo courtesy from PTV
The Office of the Ombudsman has formally filed malversation and graft charges against contractors Sarah Discaya and Ma. Roma Rimando, along with several officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), over the alleged ₱96.5-million ghost flood-control project in Davao Occidental.
Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano confirmed that the cases were brought to the Digos City Regional Trial Court, where the information has now been officially filed. As of 2:15 p.m., the Ombudsman reported that the charges have been lodged and are moving forward in court.
Clavano also said that the DPWH officials implicated in the project have already been placed under preventive suspension while the proceedings are underway.
This development marks another major step in the ongoing flood-control corruption scandal, with the Ombudsman pursuing new cases against those believed to be involved in the nonexistent project.
In line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to prepare for possible enforcement actions, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) have both declared readiness to serve arrest warrants once issued by the court. Law enforcement agencies stressed that they will follow due process as the case progresses.
The administration has asserted that the funds intended for the Davao Occidental project must be accounted for, noting the Ombudsman’s finding that falsified documents were allegedly used to release the entire ₱96.5 million budget. The case filed includes malversation through falsification and violations of Republic Act 3019, both of which carry heavy penalties.
Officials expect more developments as investigations continue, describing this as just the beginning of a broader accountability effort linked to the flood-control scandal.
Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano confirmed that the cases were brought to the Digos City Regional Trial Court, where the information has now been officially filed. As of 2:15 p.m., the Ombudsman reported that the charges have been lodged and are moving forward in court.
Clavano also said that the DPWH officials implicated in the project have already been placed under preventive suspension while the proceedings are underway.
This development marks another major step in the ongoing flood-control corruption scandal, with the Ombudsman pursuing new cases against those believed to be involved in the nonexistent project.
In line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to prepare for possible enforcement actions, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) have both declared readiness to serve arrest warrants once issued by the court. Law enforcement agencies stressed that they will follow due process as the case progresses.
The administration has asserted that the funds intended for the Davao Occidental project must be accounted for, noting the Ombudsman’s finding that falsified documents were allegedly used to release the entire ₱96.5 million budget. The case filed includes malversation through falsification and violations of Republic Act 3019, both of which carry heavy penalties.
Officials expect more developments as investigations continue, describing this as just the beginning of a broader accountability effort linked to the flood-control scandal.
Dec 5, 2025
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