Discaya Surrender Strategic Legal Move, Not Guilt Admission
The voluntary surrender of contractor Sarah Discaya represents a calculated legal strategy rather than an admission of wrongdoing in connection with anomalous flood control projects, her legal counsel emphasized Wednesday.
Attorney Cornelio Samaniego III clarified that Discaya's decision to surrender to authorities was part of a carefully planned defense approach developed since the flood control controversy first emerged.
"Hindi naman po admission of guilt kasi korte lang po ang magtatakda talaga ng guilt ng isang akusado o respondent sa isang kaso po," Samaniego explained to GMA Integrated News, emphasizing that only courts can determine guilt in legal proceedings.
Proactive Legal Strategy
The defense team had anticipated potential legal action from the outset of the flood control project investigations. Samaniego revealed that voluntary surrender was discussed as a preferred strategy to avoid waiting for arrest warrant issuance.
"Sumuko po siya dahil alam niya na malinis ang kanyang konsensya at kaya niyang harapin ang anumang legal na proseso," the lawyer stated, indicating Discaya's confidence in facing legal proceedings with a clear conscience.
On Tuesday, Discaya presented herself to the National Bureau of Investigation following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s announcement that arrest warrants would be issued in connection with the flood control project anomalies.
P96.5 Million Ghost Project Case
Discaya and nine co-accused face charges of malversation of public funds and violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act regarding a P96.5 million flood control project in Barangay Culaman, Jose Abad Santos town, Davao Occidental.
The contractor and her husband Pacifico own Alpha and Omega General Contractor & Development Corporation, identified as one of 15 companies securing 20% of the country's flood control projects under scrutiny.
Samaniego defended the project's legitimacy, explaining that construction began immediately after St. Timothy company secured the contract in 2022. However, the infrastructure suffered repeated damage from floods and typhoons, requiring multiple repairs.
"Tama naman po na nung nagpunta sila, sira po ang flood control project doon sa Digos City," he acknowledged, confirming that inspectors found damaged infrastructure that has since been completed according to DPWH Davao Occidental documentation.
State Witness Prospects Dim
Despite the Discaya couple's earlier expression of intent to serve as state witnesses, the Office of the Ombudsman has indicated they have minimal chances due to their substantial involvement in the alleged anomalies.
Samaniego also disclosed that his client has received threatening text messages and suspicious calls but chose not to let these intimidation attempts influence her legal decisions.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by the Marcos administration to address corruption in public infrastructure projects, particularly in flood control systems critical to disaster-prone communities across the archipelago.