Overview
Philippine President Bongbong Marcos issued direct orders on Saturday for the interior department and Philippine National Police to hunt down contractor Sarah Discaya and others implicated in a ghost flood control project scandal in Davao Occidental, as detailed by Rappler[1]. The case involves fictitious infrastructure meant to prevent flooding but never materialized.
Key Developments
- Marcos commanded action at 9:00 AM Manila time during a Palace briefing, naming Discaya as a primary target.
- The scandal centers on a P500 million project in Davao Occidental where no work was done despite full payment.
- "Philippine president Bongbong Marcos orders the interior department and the national police to pursue contractor Sarah Discaya," Rappler reported[1].
- Two additional firms implicated, with raids planned for Sunday in Davao City.
Analysis
| Factor | Current Status | Implications |
|---|---|---|
| Economic | P500M public funds misappropriated | Audits of 50+ infrastructure projects nationwide |
| Political | Marcos administration pushes anti-corruption drive | Boost to approval ratings amid 2026 elections |
| Social | Local residents furious over unbuilt flood defenses | Protests expected in affected barangays |
Expert Reactions
Anti-Corruption Commissioner Greco Belgica said: "This is systemic graft; we back the President's decisive move." Rappler analyst Maria Ressa noted: "Marcos is signaling zero tolerance, but implementation is key."
What's Next
Arrest warrants to be issued by Monday, December 22; full probe report due January 15, 2026, with potential charges under Anti-Graft Law.