Ombudsman files graft, malversation raps against Discayas, DPWH officials

THE Office of the Ombudsman has filed graft and malversation charges against contractors Pacifico “Curlee” F. Discaya II and Cezarah Rowena “Sarah” C. Discaya, along with Public Works officials in Bulacan before the Malolos Regional Trial Court over an alleged anomalous P53.9-million flood control project.

Also charged were another official of the Discaya-owned St. Timothy Construction Corp. and eight other officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Bulacan.

The filing came a day after DPWH Secretary Vivencio B. Dizon said that a “big fish” would be included among those facing charges in connection with alleged flood control anomalies, following earlier statements that cases were being prepared against several officials.

“There are more cases coming. In fact, another will be filed in Bulacan tomorrow. Just wait for who it will be. It’s also a big fish,” Mr. Dizon told reporters in Filipino.

The case stems from a DPWH contract, involving the rehabilitation of a river structure in Bulusan, Calumpit.

Based on the Ombudsman’s findings, payments were released despite an unapproved disbursement voucher, while dredging and embankment works were fully paid without supporting documents or verified basis of accomplishment.

These transactions allegedly resulted in unwarranted benefit to the contractor amounting to about P53.9 million and caused financial injury to the government.

The Ombudsman said DPWH personnel facilitated the release and transfer of funds to the contractor, constituting malversation of public funds through falsification of public documents.

District Engineer Henry C. Alcantara and Project Engineer Paul Jayson F. Duya were excluded from the criminal informations after entering into immunity agreements with the Office of the Ombudsman.

Bail for the graft charge was set at P90,000 per accused, while no bail was recommended for the malversation charge. — Mark Joseph M. Sanchez