Double blow: Ombudsman files charges, Pasig closes Discaya firms over ₱1.1-B tax debt

The Office of the Ombudsman has formally filed malversation and graft charges against Sarah Discaya and several others in connection with the alleged ₱96.5-million ghost project in Davao Occidental.

Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano confirmed that the cases were lodged before the Digos Regional Trial Court (RTC) at around 2:15 p.m. on December 5.

Also charged were Maria Roma Angeline Rimando of St. Timothy Construction and multiple officials from the DPWH Davao Occidental District Engineering Office.These cases mark the second batch of complaints filed against personalities implicated in the widening flood control scandal.

Pasig LGU Shuts Down 9 Discaya-Owned Firms

Meanwhile, the Pasig City government has ordered the closure of St. Gerrard Construction and eight other companies owned by Curlee and Sarah Discaya.

City officials said the firms collectively owe ₱1.1 billion in unpaid taxes and were found to be operating without legal permits, without an occupancy permit, and without a license from the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB) a mandatory requirement for all construction companies.

According to the Pasig City Business Permits and Licensing Office, these violations constitute a clear breach of both local and national regulations.

Background on the Discaya Controversy

Several companies linked to the Discaya family were previously tagged in the flood control scam, with allegations of ghost projects, overpricing, and kickbacks.The filing of new charges signals a deepening investigation as authorities continue to pursue accountability in one of the largest alleged infrastructure anomalies in recent years.