Cebu: The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has served an arrest warrant issued by a Cebu court on government contractor Cezarah Rowena 'Sarah' Discaya. Discaya was brought before the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Friday morning under NBI escort to attend the preliminary investigation hearing into tax evasion charges against her before she was returned to the NBI holding facility.

According to Philippines News Agency, under heavy guard, Discaya was flown by the NBI around 4:30 p.m. to Cebu where the Regional Trial Court, Seventh Judicial Region, Branch 27, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu has issued the warrants in connection with multiple criminal cases. Pending before the Cebu court are charges of violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act), as amended, and malversation of public funds or property under Article 217, committed through falsification of public documents. "The NBI underscores that all actions taken are in strict observance of due process and the rule of law. Further updates will be released through official channels as warranted," the NBI said in a statement.

Meanwhile, the DOJ on Friday presented PHP71 million in cash surrendered by former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Bulacan 1st District Engineer Henry Alcantara as part of restitution for ill-gotten wealth from ghost flood control projects. Officials led by Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) chair Andres Reyes Jr. and acting Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida showed reporters the surrendered money. Alcantara earlier surrendered PHP110 million as initial restitution. Vida said the restitution represents acknowledgment on the part of Alcantara of having received public funds, and good faith in cooperating with prosecutors. Prosecutor General Richard Fadullon said Alcantara "now qualifies as a state witness."