Contractor's Defense Team Challenges 'Ghost Project' Claims in High-Profile Corruption Trial
In a significant development within a major corruption case, lawyers representing controversial contractor Sarah Discaya and nine other defendants have strongly refuted prosecution allegations that a P96.5 million flood control project was a non-existent "ghost project." The defense maintains that the structure physically stands, albeit with portions constructed outside the originally designated location.
Trial Commences with Key Testimony on Project Discrepancies
This critical point emerged during the opening of the trial at the Regional Trial Court Branch 27, presided over by Judge Nelson Leyco at the Lapu-Lapu City Hall of Justice. The Office of the Ombudsman, led by Ombudsman-Visayas Officer-in-Charge for Preliminary Investigation Jess Vincent Dela Peña, presented three expert witnesses specializing in design, construction, and project quality.
During cross-examination on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, a witness from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Central Office Quality Assurance Unit testified that a project was observed during an ocular inspection on October 25, 2025, but it was not yet complete at that time. The witness revealed conflicts between the actual coordinates of the project and those outlined in the official plans and documents.
Defense Argues Physical Existence Invalidates 'Ghost' Label
Attorney Joseph Randi Torregosa, representing former DPWH XI District Engineer Rodrigo Larete, insisted that a project cannot be termed a "ghost" if it physically exists. "Physically the project is there existing, although at the time of the inspection it was still ongoing. I think that's the most important fact that was established by the testimony of the witness. It's not a ghost project," stated Torregosa.
He further explained that while the project was reported completed on October 2, 2022, it required repairs due to damage from typhoons and heavy rains. The two-kilometer flood control project was scheduled for implementation from January 13, 2022, to November 14, 2023.
Prosecution Highlights Specific Construction Issues
According to the defense, the issue raised by the prosecution pertains only to one part of the structure, specifically the discrepancy in the designated starting point. The prosecution alleges that a portion of the project was built along the Culaman River in Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental, without fully aligning with the approved plan.
The prosecution's witness also noted defects in the size of stones and the splicing of rebars. Torregosa clarified, "There was only a question, a gap, of 400 meters that refers to the point of beginning where the concrete revetment was supposed to begin. That's the only issue there."
Background of the Case and Current Proceedings
The case stems from allegations that Discaya, along with St. Timothy Construction President Roma Rimando and eight DPWH officials from Davao Occidental, were involved in the purported fake flood control project. The ten individuals face charges of malversation of public funds and violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act 3019, the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
During the trial, all accused except Project Engineer Harold John Villaver, who attended in person, participated via video conferencing while currently detained at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) facility in Barangay Mactan, Lapu-Lapu City. The site of the alleged ghost project has been visited only once by the group, underscoring the contentious nature of the evidence presented in this high-stakes legal battle.
