NBI ARRESTS SARA DISCAYA OVER DAVAO OCC. ‘GHOST’ FLOOD CONTROL PROJECT

AGENTS of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Thursday night served arrest warrants against businesswoman Sarah Discaya over a P96.5 million  “ghost” flood project in Davao Occidental. 

The NBI said two arrest warrants were served against Discaya – the warrant for violation of Republic Act 3019 or the Philippine Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and the warrant for malversation raps.

According to NBI spokesperson attorney Palmer Mallari, the warrant for violation of Republic Act 3019 or the Philippine Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act carries a bail of P90,000 while the warrant for malversation is non-bailable.

Discaya underwent booking procedures and medical check-up.

She was brought to the NBI Detention Facility in Muntinlupa after her arrest. 

Earlier, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said authorities have secured arrest warrants against 10 individuals, including contractor Sarah Discaya, implicated in a P96.5 million “ghost” flood control project in Davao Occidental.

President Marcos said those accused in the Davao Occidental flood control scam face non-bailable charges of graft and malversation and cannot post bail for their temporary liberty pending trial.

“Ang mga akusado ay nahaharap sa kasong graft at malversation. Ito pong mga kasong ito, hindi po bailable ito. Hindi pwedeng bayaran para sila’y makalabas sa kulungan,” the President said in a video message.

The President also said eight Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials who were implicated in the case have expressed their intention to surrender to authorities.

President Marcos emphasized that the government would continue to pursue filing criminal cases against all those involved in the flood control scandal.

The President, who initiated the investigation into the widespread corruption in flood control and other infrastructure projects, reiterated his commitment to exact accountability and ensure the recovery of public funds.

“Titiyakin po natin na hindi lamang sila ay makakasuhan, kundi maibalik ang pera ng ating mga kababayan ay ibalik sa kaban ng ating bansa,” President Marcos said.