Linked to P96.5-M flood control scam, Discaya arrested

National

AUTHORITIES arrested construction magnate Sarah Discaya on Thursday night, Dec. 18, after the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) served a warrant of arrest against her in connection with an alleged P96.5-million ghost flood control project in Davao Occidental.

Discaya was taken into NBI custody and subjected to standard arrest procedures, including the reading of her Miranda rights and a mandatory physical examination, according to a report by One News. She is expected to be detained pending further proceedings.

In a Philstar report, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. confirmed the arrest in a video address, saying the warrant was issued in relation to charges stemming from the anomalous flood control project. He said the case involves serious allegations of corruption linked to public infrastructure funds.

According to the president, the warrant of arrest covers Discaya and nine other individuals who are facing charges of graft and malversation. Marcos noted that the offenses are non-bailable, underscoring the gravity of the accusations and the strength of the case filed against the suspects.

The arrest marks a major development in the administration’s campaign against alleged large-scale corruption in infrastructure projects, particularly those involving flood control works that were either substandard or allegedly never built at all.

Marcos also disclosed that more arrests could soon follow. He said at least eight officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) have already signified their intention to surrender in connection with the same case, though authorities have yet to publicly identify them.

Law enforcement agencies have not released additional details on the roles of the other accused or the specific timeline for the surrender of the DPWH officials. Investigators are expected to provide further updates as the case progresses.

The arrest comes amid mounting public outrage over revelations of ghost and overpriced flood control projects, which have triggered congressional inquiries and internal government investigations. The controversy has fueled calls for accountability within agencies tasked with managing billions of pesos in public funds.

Marcos earlier vowed that arrests would be made before Christmas as part of a broader push to restore public trust and demonstrate that those involved in corruption, regardless of influence or status, would be held to account.(Xienderlyn Trinidad, USJ-R Comm Intern)