The Office of the Ombudsman has initiated criminal proceedings against a group of Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials and a private contractor for a multi-million peso "ghost" flood control project in Davao Occidental. President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. announced the development, marking a significant step in the government's crackdown on anomalous infrastructure deals.
Details of the Bogus Project and Charges
In a video statement, President Marcos confirmed that charges for malversation of public funds through falsification and graft have been filed against those responsible for the P96.5-million project. The contract was awarded to St. Timothy Construction, owned by contractor Sarah Discaya, in January 2022 and was declared completed within the same year.
However, an inspection conducted by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in September 2025 revealed a shocking truth: the project was completely non-existent. "Kinumpirma ng mga indigenous peoples at barangay officials sa kanilang joint affidavit na walang naganap na implementation ng proyekto doon," President Marcos stated, highlighting that local communities attested to no work being done.
The investigation found that the submitted final billing, certificate of completion, and inspection reports were falsified. The Ombudsman concluded that the respondents acted with manifest partiality, bad faith, or gross negligence, causing undue injury to the government and granting unwarranted benefits to the contractor.
Who Are the Respondents?
Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano identified the accused in a press conference. Charges were filed before the Digos City Regional Trial Court against:
- Contractor Sarah Discaya and Maria Roma Angeline Rimando of St. Timothy Construction.
- DPWH Davao Occidental district engineer Rodrigo Larete.
- Assistant district engineer Michael P. Awa.
- Several section chiefs, project engineers, and inspectors from the DPWH.
The implicated DPWH officials have been preventively suspended from their posts for six months.
Government Action and Ongoing Probe
This case represents the second criminal charge filed under the government's ongoing investigation into questionable flood control projects nationwide. President Marcos has issued a directive for the immediate arrest of the respondents once warrants are issued.
"I have directed the DILG and the PNP to ensure that they know the whereabouts of Discaya at ng iba pa para paglabas ng arrest warrant ay maaresto na sila agad," the President said, ordering the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Philippine National Police to track the accused.
The filing of these charges underscores the administration's stated commitment to pursuing accountability and integrity in public infrastructure spending, particularly for projects intended to protect communities from natural disasters like floods.
