Contractor and businesswoman Sarah Discaya, involved in a P96.5-million flood control project in Davao Occidental, was granted bail by the Lapu-Lapu City Regional Trial Court (RTC) on July 8, 2026. Presiding Judge Nelson Leyco set bail at P1 million, citing insufficient evidence of direct conspiracy. However, Discaya remains in detention due to an outstanding warrant of arrest from Malolos City, Bulacan RTC Branch 20 for a separate malversation case filed by the Office of the Ombudsman, which offers no bail.
Bulacan case details
The Bulacan case involves a P53.9-million flood control project in Calumpit, Bulacan. Investigators found that payments were released without approved disbursement vouchers. The government paid Discaya's St. Timothy Construction Corporation for dredging and embankment work that lacked calculations or documentation. Co-accused Czar Ryan Ubungen of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) was granted P300,000 bail after the court ruled his signatures on vouchers were insufficient to prove conspiracy.
Implications and other accused
According to the court, the prosecution failed to present strong evidence of direct conspiracy in the Lapu-Lapu case. However, the Bulacan warrant ensures Discaya cannot leave prison. The cases stem from allegations that government officials and contractors falsely declared completion of flood control projects in 2022 and released public funds despite no visible work. Seven DPWH officials and Timothy Construction president Roma Rimando were denied bail, as the court found strong evidence of guilt against them.
This situation serves as a lesson for corrupt contractors and officials: while weak evidence may allow escape from one court, the law will eventually catch up for ghost projects and irregularities elsewhere.
