Davao’s ‘ghost’ project stands, repairs done

The P96.5-million flood control project in Culaman, Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental is not only real — it has even undergone repairs.

Inspection reports by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), backed by drone footage, show that the concrete revetment project exists and is standing on the ground, countering allegations that it was a so-called “ghost project.”

The inspection materials, furnished to the DAILY TRIBUNE by agency insiders, include aerial videos taken during site visits that clearly capture the flood control structure in place.

“It even underwent repair works on some portions after extreme flooding in November 2022,” one DPWH source said. “The contractor carried out the repairs at no additional cost to the government, as required under the project’s warranty provisions.”

The project — identified as Project ID 22LE0029 — was implemented by the DPWH Davao Occidental District Engineering Office and awarded in 2022 to St. Timothy Construction Corporation, owned by contractor Cezarah “Sarah” Discaya. It involved the construction of a concrete revetment designed to protect the area from flooding.

Despite the inspection findings, Discaya, along with District Engineer Rodrigo C. Larete, Assistant District Engineer Michael P. Awa, several section chiefs, project engineers, inspectors, and Ma. Roma Angelin Rimando of St. Timothy Construction Corporation, has been charged in connection with allegations that they conspired to release funds for a revetment project that was supposedly never built.

The charges include violations of Section 3(e) of Republic Act 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, as well as Articles 217, 171, and 172 of the Revised Penal Code, which cover malversation of public funds and falsification of public documents.

But sources familiar with the DPWH inspections insist the reports tell a different story.

“The documents and videos prove the project is there,” one source said. “This is not a ghost project.”