Fourteen accused individuals, including Sarah Discaya and Maria Roman Rimando, made their first court appearance on Monday, January 5, 2026. Their hearing was held at Branch 27 of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) in Lapu-Lapu City.
Virtual Appearance from Jail Facility
All defendants attended the proceedings remotely through a video conference link from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) facility in Lapu-Lapu City. This virtual arrangement marked the start of the judicial process for the group facing various charges.
Defense Challenges Court Jurisdiction
A significant number of the accused, several of whom are officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Davao Occidental, have filed a motion to quash information. Their legal argument centers on the applicability of a Supreme Court directive.
The defense contends that OCA-Circular 328-2025 should not be applied to the accused officials. This circular relates to the transfer of cases to another judicial region.
Lawyer Cites Salary Grade Technicality
Atty. Joseph Randi Torregosa, representing Rodrigo Larete who is the officer-in-charge of the DPWH Davao Occidental District Engineering Office, presented a key point. He argued that the Supreme Court's order for case transfer is not relevant for his client and the other accused.
Torregosa asserted that the case must remain under the jurisdiction of RTC Malita in Davao Occidental. He based this on the stipulation that none of the accused hold a position with a Salary Grade of 27 or higher, which is a condition outlined in the Supreme Court's mandate for such transfers.
Presiding Judge Nelson Leyco of RTC Branch 27 has not yet issued a ruling on the motions filed by the defense. The court is expected to deliberate on the jurisdictional arguments before proceeding further with the case.
