On December 18, 2025, the long-running saga surrounding the controversial contractor Cezarah “Sarah” Discaya took a dramatic turn. The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) confirmed the arrest of Discaya, whose name has been at the center of a high-profile graft and malversation case linked to a multimillion-peso government project in the southern Philippines. The arrest, which came shortly after a warrant was issued, marked a significant milestone in a case that has gripped public attention and stirred debate over accountability in the country’s infrastructure spending.
According to INQUIRER, NBI spokesperson Palmer Mallari verified that Discaya was taken into custody on Thursday. This development came on the heels of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s public announcement the same day, declaring that a warrant of arrest had finally been issued against the embattled contractor. The timing was no coincidence—Discaya’s apprehension was a direct response to growing calls for action after months of mounting scrutiny over the fate of a government-funded flood control project in Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental.
The charges against Discaya and nine others stem from their alleged involvement in a ₱96.5-million flood control project that was, on paper, completed and fully paid for, but in reality, never built. The Office of the Ombudsman, the country’s main anti-corruption agency, filed graft and malversation charges after an investigation revealed the glaring discrepancy between official records and on-the-ground realities. The case has come to symbolize broader concerns about transparency and corruption in public infrastructure contracts across the nation.
Discaya, who serves as president of St. Timothy Construction Corp., now faces the consequences of what authorities describe as a brazen scheme. The flood control project in question was supposed to offer much-needed protection to the residents of Jose Abad Santos, a municipality frequently battered by typhoons and heavy rains. Instead, the funds—amounting to nearly one hundred million pesos—were disbursed despite the absence of any visible construction or completed works.
On December 9, 2025, Discaya voluntarily surrendered to the Investigation and Case Intelligence (ICI) unit, coinciding with President Marcos’s earlier announcement that the warrants of arrest against her and her co-accused were imminent. This move, while perhaps calculated, did little to quell public outrage or dampen calls for accountability. The surrender was widely reported, but many observers saw it as an attempt to negotiate more favorable detention conditions or to demonstrate a willingness to cooperate with authorities.
Following her arrest, Discaya was transported to the NBI’s custodial facility, located within the compound of the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) in Muntinlupa City. Mallari, in a statement to INQUIRER, said, “Arrested na (she’s already arrested). Otw (on the way) na sa (she is on her way to the) NBI Detention Facility sa (in) BuCor.” The message, though brief, underscored the sense of urgency and finality that had characterized the day’s events.
For many Filipinos, the arrest of Discaya is more than just the resolution of a single case—it’s a litmus test for the Marcos administration’s commitment to rooting out corruption and enforcing the rule of law. President Marcos, who has made several high-profile pledges to improve government transparency, seized the moment to signal his administration’s resolve. By publicly announcing the issuance of the arrest warrant, he sought to reassure the public that no one, regardless of connections or influence, is above the law.
Yet, as is often the case in the Philippines’ complex political landscape, reactions have been mixed. Some government critics argue that the arrest, while necessary, is only the first step in a much longer process. They point out that similar cases in the past have sometimes stalled or fizzled out once the initial media attention faded. Others, particularly those from communities affected by failed infrastructure projects, express cautious optimism. For them, the hope is that Discaya’s arrest will pave the way for a wider reckoning with systemic issues in public procurement and project implementation.
The case has also drawn attention to the role of the Office of the Ombudsman and the NBI in investigating and prosecuting graft. Both agencies have faced their share of challenges, from limited resources to political interference. However, the successful apprehension of a figure as prominent as Discaya is viewed by many observers as evidence that, when mobilized, the country’s anti-corruption institutions are capable of delivering results.
According to ABS-CBN, Discaya’s role as president of St. Timothy Construction Corp. placed her at the heart of the controversy. Her company was the principal contractor for the ill-fated flood control project. The project’s failure not only deprived the residents of Jose Abad Santos of vital infrastructure but also raised uncomfortable questions about oversight and accountability in the awarding of government contracts. The fact that the project was fully paid for, despite no tangible progress, has fueled suspicions of collusion and kickbacks involving multiple parties.
Throughout the ordeal, Discaya has remained largely silent, leaving her legal team to handle communications with authorities. Details about her defense strategy remain scarce, but legal analysts expect her to challenge the charges vigorously. The malversation and graft charges carry severe penalties under Philippine law, including lengthy prison terms and the forfeiture of ill-gotten assets. The coming months are likely to see a protracted legal battle, with both sides preparing to present evidence and witness testimony.
Meanwhile, the broader public debate continues. The Discaya case has reignited calls for reforms in the country’s public works sector. Lawmakers and civil society groups have renewed their push for stricter monitoring of government contracts, greater transparency in bidding processes, and stronger protections for whistleblowers. There is also growing interest in leveraging technology—such as digital project tracking platforms—to provide real-time updates on the status of infrastructure projects and prevent similar scandals in the future.
For now, all eyes remain on the NBI’s custodial facility in Muntinlupa City, where Discaya awaits the next phase of her legal journey. The outcome of her case will be closely watched, not only by those directly affected by the failed flood control project, but by a nation eager for signs of meaningful progress in the fight against corruption.
As the story unfolds, the Discaya arrest serves as a stark reminder of the high stakes involved in public infrastructure spending—and the enduring importance of accountability in government.
