DECEMBER 29, 2025 — DPWH contractor Sarah Discaya, detained over graft and malversation charges tied to an alleged ghost project, received her first in-person visit from family members on December 26, following the end of her quarantine at the Lapu-Lapu City Jail.

“Her quarantine just ended Dec. 26. During her quarantine period, no visitors were allowed except her lawyers. On Dec. 25, she was allowed to receive the e-call dalaw by her family,” said Atty. Cornelio Samaniego, Discaya’s spokesperson.

He added, “On Dec. 26, she was personally visited by her family. She is now entitled to a regular visiting schedule.”

The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) confirmed that Discaya had been isolated since her surrender earlier this month, along with eight Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials and Roma Angeline Rimando, president of her construction firm St. Timothy Corp. 

Jail Superintendent Jayrex Bustinera explained, “She’s in quarantine, so she’s just in the area. We’re still waiting on the report about mixing her with the general population.”

Authorities said Discaya and her co-accused were committed to the facility after warrants were issued in December. Rimando surrendered to Pasig police, while Discaya and the DPWH officials turned themselves in to the National Bureau of Investigation.

The BJMP noted that only online visits had been permitted for Discaya and her co-accused until clearance is granted for them to join the general population. Food and personal items have been allowed.

Meanwhile, Discaya’s camp has petitioned to keep her under NBI custody, but the BJMP stressed that the Lapu-Lapu City Jail Female Dormitory is prepared to handle her detention. 

“On the BJMP’s part, the Lapu-Lapu City Jail Female Dormitory, they already submitted their comment that the facility is prepared to handle her custody,” Bustinera said.

Her husband, Curlee Discaya, remains separately detained at the Senate after being cited for contempt in September for refusing to cooperate in a probe into questionable flood control projects.

The Discaya case is now a litmus test of whether justice in the Philippines can truly cut through power and influence. For now, the clamor is still loud for the ‘big fish’ — senators, congressmen, perhaps even those holding higher positions in government — to be jailed. After all, they’re the ones truly accountable to the people.

President Marcos Jr. has promised that these big personalities would be jailed before Christmas, but with 2026 fast approaching, the Filipino people are apparently left with broken promises yet again. 

(Image: YouTube)