New evidence challenges ‘ghost’ label of P96.5-M DavOcc flood project

Newly surfaced documents and visual evidence suggest that a P96.5- million flood control project in Davao Occidental, previously labeled a “ghost project” by authorities, may be near completion despite the arrest of the primary contractor.

The development follows the transfer of contractor Cezarah “Sarah” Discaya to Cebu on Friday, as National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agents escorted a handcuffed Discaya to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport for a flight to face the Lapu-Lapu City Regional Trial Court Branch 27.

To recall, Discaya and eight officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways Davao Occidental District Engineering Office face charges of malversation of public funds and violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

Investigators originally alleged the group conspired to release full payment for a concrete revetment in Jose Abad Santos that was never built.

However, internal DPWH documents and photos obtained by DAILY TRIBUNE indicate the project, identified as Project ID 22LE0029, is actually nearing 100 percent completion.

A DPWH insider, speaking on condition of anonymity, claimed the accused were “wrongly charged” and that the physical structure exists, contrary to the “ghost project” classification used by the NBI and the Office of the Ombudsman.

The controversy has already led to the six-month preventive suspension of several officials, including District Engineer Rodrigo C. Larete and Assistant District Engineer Michael P. Awa.

The suspension orders were reportedly served by DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon following an inspection in the region.

Also charged in the case is Ma. Roma Angelin Rimando of St. Timothy Construction Corp., the firm owned by Discaya that was awarded the contract.

While the NBI maintains that funds were disbursed for work that did not exist at the time of the certification, the emerging photos and videos reportedly show portions of the flood mitigation system are already finished while others remain ongoing.

Supporters of the accused officials have criticized the swift legal action, suggesting the charges were driven by optics rather than the physical reality of the construction site.

Discaya remains in custody and is expected to be presented to the court in Cebu to address the non-bailable charges.