Lapu-Lapu City RTC starts hearing on motion filed by Sarah Discaya, 9 others

The Lapu-Lapu City Regional Trial Court (RTC) has begun hearing the motion to quash information filed by the camp of contractor Sara Discaya and nine co-accused, who face graft and malversation of public funds charges.

According to a “24 Oras” report on Monday, the defense argued that the Lapu-Lapu City RTC has no jurisdiction over the case since the alleged ?95.6-million ghost flood control projects are in Malita, Davao Occidental.

The Supreme Court earlier said it transferred the case to Lapu-Lapu City based on its guidelines, stating that corruption-related cases should be filed in the nearest designated anti-graft court within the judicial region.

However, the defense said the guideline does not apply since none of the accused holds a position with Salary Grade 27 or higher.

The accused remains detained at the Lapu-Lapu City Jail male and female dormitory.

The court is expected to resolve the motion up to a day before the scheduled arraignment on January 13. — Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA Integrated News