Discaya, co-accused seek bail in P96.5M malversation case

A petition for bail was filed by contractor Sarah Discaya and her co-accused Roma Rimando in their non-bailable malversation of public funds case, her spokesperson said Tuesday.

The filing was confirmed by their counsel, Atty. Cornelio Samaniego III, who said the petition was submitted before the Lapu-Lapu City Regional Trial Court Branch 27.

Samaniego said both Discaya and Rimando, officers of St. Timothy Construction, jointly sought bail from the court.

In December 2025, the Office of the Ombudsman filed malversation and graft charges against Discaya and several others in connection with an alleged P96.5-million ghost flood control project in Davao Occidental.

Both Discaya and Rimando have pleaded not guilty to the charges and are currently detained at the Lapu-Lapu City Jail.

Apart from the malversation and graft case, Discaya is also facing tax evasion charges before the Court of Tax Appeals. Four counts of tax evasion were filed against her for alleged violations of Sections 254 and 255 of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, which cover willful attempts to evade taxes and the failure to supply correct and accurate information.

Discaya has denied the allegations against her, including claims that she bribed officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways.