Discaya, 8 DPWH Davao Occ execs to be charged over P96.5-M flood control project

Malversation and graft charges will be filed against contractors Cezarah Discaya and Maria Remando of St. Timothy Construction as well as Department of Public Works and Highways-Davao Occidental officials over a P96.5-million ghost flood control project in the province, Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said Friday. 

“Criminal information will be filed before the Regional Trial Court in Digos City, Davao del Sur against several officials of DPWH Davao Occidental DEO (District Engineering Office) and private individuals...[the] owners of St. Timothy Construction,” Clavano said.

“Based on official inspection and witnesses’ accounts, the project was never implemented, had no actual construction, and yet respondents certified that the project was completed,” he added.

Clavano said that the eight DPWH Davao Occidental officials have also been placed under preventive suspension for grave misconduct and grave dishonesty.

“The suspension order was served yesterday,” he said. 

DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon, when he filed the malversation and graft complaint in October, described the P96.5-million flood control project as “a clear ghost project.”  —AOL, GMA Integrated News