MANILA, Philippines — Government contractor Cezarah Rowena “Sarah” Discaya voluntarily surrendered to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Tuesday as authorities moved closer to serving an arrest warrant over alleged irregularities in flood control projects.
Discaya arrived at the NBI headquarters in Pasay City in the morning, accompanied by her lawyers, shortly after President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. disclosed that law enforcement agencies were preparing to arrest individuals linked to the controversial projects.
Her surrender comes amid mounting scrutiny over a reported ₱96.5-million flood control project in Barangay Culaman, Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental, which investigators say was either substandard or non-existent despite the release of public funds. The case is part of a broader probe into alleged graft, malversation, and falsification of public documents involving private contractors and officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
NBI officials confirmed Discaya’s surrender, noting that it was made before any warrant of arrest had been formally issued. Authorities said they are coordinating closely with prosecutors and the courts and are prepared to take her into custody once the warrant is released.
Discaya’s legal counsel described the move as a precautionary legal strategy, stressing that her voluntary appearance should not be construed as an admission of guilt. The lawyer also denied claims that Discaya was attempting to evade authorities, saying she had remained accessible throughout the investigation.
The case has drawn national attention following the President’s directive to fast-track investigations into flood control projects nationwide, amid concerns that corruption has worsened the impact of flooding in several areas of the country.
Aside from Discaya, several DPWH officials and other individuals implicated in the case have reportedly surrendered or expressed readiness to face legal proceedings.
Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing as the government intensifies its campaign to hold accountable those involved in the alleged misuse of public funds intended for vital infrastructure projects.
