Arrest warrant for Sarah Discaya to be released this week

In a significant development signaling a renewed push against corruption in public infrastructure projects, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, that an arrest warrant for embattled contractor Sarah Discaya is imminent. The President's statement underscores the government's resolve to pursue accountability in cases of alleged misuse of public funds, particularly within the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

The Looming Arrest and Grave Allegations

“We also expect Sarah Discaya’s warrant of arrest to be released this week, and her arrest should not be long delayed,” President Marcos stated in a video message. This pronouncement comes on the heels of criminal charges filed by the Office of the Ombudsman on December 5 against Discaya, the proprietor of St. Timothy Construction, and several high-ranking DPWH officials. The charges revolve around an alleged P96.5 million "ghost" flood control project situated in Davao Occidental.

The term "ghost project" sends shivers down the spine of any taxpayer, as it refers to infrastructure initiatives that exist only on paper. In this particular instance, the project was officially declared completed and fully paid for in 2022. However, a meticulous inspection conducted by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in September 2025 revealed a shocking truth: the project was entirely non-existent. This stark discrepancy highlights a severe lapse in oversight and a blatant disregard for public trust and resources.

Presidential Vow: Unwavering Pursuit of Accountability

President Marcos Jr. has made it unequivocally clear that his administration will not tolerate corruption, especially when it diverts funds meant for critical public services. He revealed that eight DPWH officials implicated in these projects have already sent "surrender feelers" to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), indicating a potential wave of cooperation or confession in the ongoing probe. This development could provide crucial insights into the intricate web of corruption that allowed such a large-scale anomaly to occur.

“The investigation will continue. Accountability will continue. And the government will ensure that the people’s money is returned to the public,” the President affirmed, reiterating his commitment to transparency and justice. His strong words serve as a stern warning to those who might consider exploiting their positions for personal gain, emphasizing that the long arm of the law will eventually catch up.

The Discaya Empire Under Scrutiny: A Pattern of Dominance?

The spotlight on Sarah Discaya extends beyond this single "ghost" project. It has been revealed that Sarah and her husband, Curlee, collectively own two of the 15 construction firms that have cornered a disproportionately large number of government flood control projects between 2022 and 2025. Over this three-year period, Discaya-affiliated firms reportedly bagged an astonishing P31 billion worth of government infrastructure contracts, including numerous flood control initiatives.

This significant concentration of contracts in a few hands raises pertinent questions about procurement processes, potential conflicts of interest, and the fairness of competition within the public works sector. While securing multiple contracts is not inherently illicit, the sheer volume, coupled with the current allegations, necessitates a thorough examination of how these contracts were awarded and managed.

The Far-Reaching Impact of "Ghost Projects"

The implications of "ghost projects" like the one in Davao Occidental are profound and multifaceted, extending far beyond mere financial loss.

Erosion of Public Trust and Economic Drain

• Misallocation of Resources: Funds earmarked for essential infrastructure, which could protect communities from natural disasters or stimulate economic growth, are instead siphoned off.
• Economic Stagnation: Such corruption diverts capital from productive investments, hindering national development and perpetuating poverty.
• Taxpayer Burden: Citizens bear the brunt of these schemes, as their hard-earned money is wasted on non-existent projects, often leading to increased taxes or reduced public services elsewhere.

Vulnerability of Communities

Flood control projects are vital for the safety and livelihoods of communities, especially in a country prone to typhoons and heavy rainfall. A "ghost" project means that the intended beneficiaries remain unprotected, leaving them vulnerable to devastating floods, loss of property, and even lives. This betrayal of public trust can have catastrophic human and environmental consequences.

Challenges in Oversight and Enforcement

The fact that a project declared "completed and fully paid" in 2022 was only discovered to be non-existent in 2025 highlights significant gaps in monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. This case underscores the urgent need for more robust oversight, regular physical inspections, and the implementation of digital tracking systems to ensure that public funds are utilized effectively and transparently.

Moving Forward: Strengthening Safeguards and Ensuring Justice

The impending arrest of Sarah Discaya and the ongoing investigation serve as a critical test for the government's commitment to good governance. To prevent future anomalies, experts and anti-corruption advocates often call for:

• Enhanced Transparency: Making contract awards, project progress, and financial disbursements publicly accessible.
• Stricter Procurement Rules: Implementing more rigorous vetting processes for contractors and ensuring competitive bidding.
• Digital Monitoring: Utilizing satellite imagery, drones, and real-time reporting to verify project existence and progress.
• Whistleblower Protection: Encouraging insiders to report corruption without fear of retaliation.
• Inter-agency Collaboration: Strengthening cooperation between investigative bodies like the Ombudsman, CIDG, NBI, and auditing agencies.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the nation watches closely, hopeful that this case will not only bring justice to those responsible but also catalyze systemic changes that safeguard public funds and restore faith in government infrastructure initiatives. The President's unwavering stance signals a new chapter in the fight against corruption, aiming to ensure that every peso of the people's money genuinely serves the people.