President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Tuesday that an arrest warrant for contractor Sarah Discaya is expected to be released this week—an announcement delivered with a clear warning: once it comes out, the arrest may follow quickly.
“Inaasahan na din nating lalabas ang warrant of arrest ni Sarah Discaya itong linggong ito, at hindi na rin magtatagal ang pag-aresto sa kanya,” Marcos said in a video message.
In simple terms: the government expects the court to issue the warrant soon, and authorities won’t waste time moving in.
“Tuloy-tuloy ang pagpapanagot”
Marcos framed the moment as part of a bigger crackdown tied to alleged flood control anomalies in Davao Occidental.
He revealed that eight personnel from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Davao Occidental have already sent letters saying they intend to surrender to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and face the cases filed against them.
That detail carries weight. It suggests the pressure is rising—and people inside the system are starting to step forward.
“Magpapatuloy ang imbestigasyon. Magpapatuloy ang pagpapanagot. At sisiguraduhin ng pamahalaan na ang pera ng bayan ay maibabalik sa taumbayan,” Marcos said.
Natural pause. Then the message lands: the investigation continues, accountability continues, and the administration claims it will work to return public funds to the people.
Who is Sarah Discaya?
Sarah Discaya, also known as Cezarah Rowena Discaya, is widely known in business circles as the wife of businessman Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya.
The couple has been linked to major construction firms such as Alpha and Omega Construction and St. Gerrard Construction Company—names associated with big-ticket government flood control and infrastructure projects worth billions.
And now, that spotlight is turning harsh.
The case: a “ghost” flood control project
Discaya and nine others are facing cases involving:
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alleged malversation of public funds, and
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alleged violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act),
all connected to a ₱96.5-million “ghost” flood control project in Barangay Culaman, Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental.
For many Filipinos—especially communities that live with flooding year after year—this part stings the most. Flood control isn’t a luxury. It’s safety. It’s homes. It’s livelihoods.
So when the word “ghost project” comes up, it doesn’t just sound like corruption. It sounds like betrayal.
Government orders: “Know where they are”
Marcos also said he directed the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to ensure authorities know the location of Discaya and others facing charges.
It’s a blunt, practical instruction—one meant to prevent suspects from slipping away once legal processes move forward.
Another blow: SEC revocation
Adding to the pressure, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) recently announced the revocation of the corporate registration of St. Gerrard Construction General Contractor and Development Corporation, citing the submission of false beneficial ownership information.
It’s the kind of development that deepens public suspicion—and sharpens the sense that this case is no longer just a headline. It’s unfolding fast.
What happens next
All eyes are now on the expected warrant this week. If it’s issued, it becomes the trigger point—where statements turn into action, and where the public will see whether this promised push for accountability truly has teeth.
Because people have heard promises before.
This time, they’re watching for results.
