Sarah Discaya arraignment set next year

MANILA, Philippines — The arraignment of detained contractor Sarah Discaya before a Cebu court is set on Jan. 13  over charges of graft and malversation.

Discaya will be arraigned at 10 a.m. before the Regional Trial Court Branch 27 in Lapu-Lapu, Cebu on charges related to P96.5-million “ghost” flood control projects in Davao Occidental, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) spokesman Palmer Mallari told The STAR in a text message.

Discaya was arrested by the NBI after her warrant was served at the NBI headquarters in Pasay on Dec. 18. She was flown the next day to Lapu-Lapu where she is currently detained.

Discaya, along with her niece, Ma. Roma Rimando, is among eight others who were implicated in the Davao Occidental “ghost” flood control project.

Sotto flags Discaya threats vs witnesses

Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto alleged that the camp of contractors Sarah and Curlee Discaya has been intimidating former employees willing to testify against them, and engaging in alleged blackmail tied to the ongoing investigation into anomalous flood control projects.
In a statement posted on Facebook, Sotto said several individuals had informed him that former employees of the Discayas were being threatened to prevent them from cooperating with authorities.
“They continue to threaten their former employees who may testify against them,” he said, adding that the actions showed “no sign of remorse.”

Sotto also rejected claims portraying the Discayas as minor players, citing reports that bank accounts linked to several of their companies had transactions amounting to billions of pesos over the years.
“They are not small fish. If we look closely, they are not just contractors but instigators,” he said.
Sotto said the alleged corruption had persisted across multiple administrations and congressional leaderships, adding that the Discayas were known to approach lawmakers to discuss available public works funds and supposed advance payments or percentages.

He called on the public to remain vigilant and continue pressing for accountability as cases move forward.

“We should not stop. Let us continue doing everything we can so that those who should be held accountable are made to answer,” he said.