Marcos: Arrest warrant out vs Sarah Discaya

MANILA, Philippines—President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced on Thursday that a warrant of arrest had been issued on controversial public works contractor Cezarah “Sarah” Discaya, formalizing her custody and detention in connection with an alleged anomalous flood control project.

The president made the announcement in a video statement, where he again singled out Discaya among the personalities implicated in the public works corruption scandal.

On Dec. 9, the acting director of the National Bureau of Investigation, Lito Magno, confirmed that Discaya had already surrendered voluntarily in anticipation of the warrant.

Davao Occidental project

The case against Discaya and her co-accused stemmed from the P96.5-million flood control project in Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental, where no work was even started despite being declared completed and fully paid for in 2022.

READ: Sarah Discaya finally served warrant, arrested, says NBI

“I would like to inform you that in connection with the P96.5-million ghost flood project in Davao Occidental, the court has already issued warrants of arrest against 10 principal individuals involved in this anomaly,” Mr. Marcos said.

“The accused are facing charges of graft and malversation. These cases are not bailable; no bond can be paid in order for them to be released from jail,” the President said.

Filed in Digos City

The charges were filed in the Regional Trial Court in Digos City.

Marcos said that eight officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) included in the case, also wanted to surrender. He did not disclose their identities.

“We will continue to do this, and this is just the beginning, and we will continue to investigate and prosecute everyone involved in the scandals we see in flood control projects,” he said.

“We will make sure that not only will they be prosecuted, but [also] that the money paid by our countrymen will be returned to the nation’s coffers,” Marcos added.