Ombudsman orders graft raps vs contractor, DPWH execs over P96.5M ghost project

The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the filing of malversation and graft charges against contractor Sarah Discaya and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials concerning an alleged P96.5 million 'ghost project' in Davao Occidental.

Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano confirmed that charges will be filed before the Regional Trial Court of Digos City.

The charges stem from an alleged P96.5 million ghost infrastructure project, specifically a revetment in Barangay Culaman, Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental.

This project was awarded to Discaya-owned St. Timothy Construction Corp. in January 2022 and was certified as completed and fully paid despite construction only starting shortly before a site visit.

DPWH Davao Occidental district engineer Rodrigo Larete admitted to DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon that he paid the P96.5 million to St. Timothy Construction Corp. as early as October 2022.

The anti-graft body suspects DPWH engineers and contractors of conspiring to release project funds without completing the work.