PUBLIC anger intensified after controversial government contractor Sarah Discaya filed an urgent motion seeking to remain under the custody of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) instead of being detained at the Lapu-Lapu City Jail in Mactan, Cebu.
If granted by the court, Discaya also intends to participate in court proceedings via video conferencing—a move opposed by several religious and civic organizations, as well as concerned netizens.
The request further fueled public frustration, with many perceiving that Discaya was effectively dictating the terms of her detention despite facing serious graft and malversation charges.
Discaya voluntarily surrendered to the NBI on December 10, ahead of the release of an arrest warrant over graft and malversation charges linked to alleged anomalies in a ₱96.5-million flood control project in Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental.
Discaya and eight co-accused in the alleged ghost flood control project have since filed an urgent motion seeking transfer to NBI custody from the Lapu-Lapu City Jail, where they are currently detained.
The accused were transferred to Cebu two weeks after the Supreme Court ordered a change of venue for their case from Davao Occidental to Cebu.
According to NBI spokesperson Atty. Palmer Mallari, the defense filed a motion requesting that the accused be returned to NBI custody in Pasay City instead of remaining at the city jail.
On the other hand, the court issued an order requiring the Ombudsman in the Visayas and the NBI to comment within 10 days.
During her temporary one-week detention at the NBI facility, Discaya said she felt a sense of relief. “At least I’m somewhere safe… Here, somehow, I feel at ease,” she said.
While authorities have repeatedly denied reports of special treatment involving Discaya and former Bamban, Tarlac Mayor and alleged POGO operator Alice Guo, civic organization Kapatid maintained that past incidents and existing systemic practices justify public skepticism.
“VIP treatment is nothing new. It is part of a long-standing culture of inequality that continues to persist in our detention facilities. Until these issues are addressed with transparency and accountability, public concern will remain,” said Kapatid spokesperson Fides Lim.
The group also criticized NBI officials after Discaya appeared in a television interview, allegedly already under custody while staying in an air-conditioned room. “Is it because she is a big-time contractor that she is being given such special care?” the group asked.
In an exclusive interview with ABS-CBN, Discaya said she would stay only “overnight” at the NBI following her court appearance on December 9. However, concerned citizens and civil society leaders claimed that she allegedly remained at the NBI headquarters in Pasay City for five days, accompanied by an “alalay” (assistant).
During the interview, Discaya showed a suitcase containing clothes, slippers, and several pillows arranged on a sofa. She also said she had been in good condition and eating well while under NBI custody.
Meanwhile, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) said Discaya did not receive any in-person family visits over the Christmas holidays while detained at the Lapu-Lapu City Jail.
BJMP spokesperson Jail Superintendent Jayrex Bustinera said Discaya’s visits have been limited to online platforms, with most of her interactions coming from her lawyer.
However, Bustinera confirmed that Discaya’s food is sent from outside and inspected before being allowed inside the facility. The BJMP has also allowed her to receive food and personal items while in detention—a development that has drawn public criticism.
