THE Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Thursday brushed aside claims that contractor Sarah Discaya faces security risks as investigations continue into irregular flood control projects.
In an interview with one media source, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said he had just spoken with Acting Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida regarding developments in Discaya’s case.
“We’re working very closely. In fact, Secretary Vida and I spoke just 10 minutes ago. The National Bureau of Investigation and the Philippine National Police are fully coordinated,” Remulla said.
He added that the government does not believe Discaya is in any danger.
Discaya earlier said she considered her safety when she decided to place herself under the custody of the NBI. Her lawyer maintained that the move was a “strategic legal decision” rather than an admission of guilt.
Remulla welcomed her surrender, noting it may reflect positively in court.
“It’s better that she surrendered instead of being tracked down. We never considered her armed or dangerous. Had she been wanted, we would have arrested her naturally,” he said. “It’s a significant gesture and shows good faith. I’m sure the courts will take that into account, but of course, the law will prevail.”
Discaya turned herself in after President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. revealed that an arrest warrant was set to be issued against her over alleged anomalies in flood control projects.
She and her husband, Pacifico, are under investigation after their construction firms were implicated.
The couple owns Alpha and Omega General Contractor and Development Corporation, one of 15 companies, Marcos said cornered 20% of the country’s flood control projects.
Discaya and nine others are facing malversation and anti-graft charges linked to a supposed P96.5-million “ghost” flood control project in Barangay Culaman, Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental.
Her lawyer, Cornelio Samanego III, insisted the project was completed but suffered repeated damage due to flooding and storms in the area, resulting in multiple repairs. He said documents from DPWH Davao Occidental show the project was completed last month.
The Discayas initially sought to become state witnesses, but the Office of the Ombudsman rejected the possibility, citing their extensive involvement in the scheme. They have since stopped coordinating with the DOJ.