The Supreme Court (SC) on Friday dismissed the petition for certiorari filed by embattled contractor Cezarah “Sarah” Discaya, challenging the charges lodged against her in relation to her involvement in flood control project anomalies.

“The SC dismissed the petition for certiorari filed by Cezarah Rowena C. Discaya challenging the Office of the Ombudsman’s finding of probable cause against her for violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and malversation through falsification of public documents,” the Court said in a press briefer.

The Court considered her petition “moot” as the case had already reached a local court, which issued an arrest warrant against her.

It noted that while exceptions are made in order to ensure the protection of constitutional rights, it finds that Discaya’s case does not warrant one.

“Although exceptions exist to safeguard constitutional rights, maintain orderly justice, or when charges are baseless or beyond authority, Discaya did not demonstrate any of these exceptions,” the High Court stated.

As a rule, the Court said, it does not interfere with determinations of the Office of the Ombudsman, and that its findings were backed by substantial evidence.

The case stemmed from a complaint filed by Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vivencio “Vince” Dizon against Discaya and several others from the DPWH Davao Occidental District Engineering Office.

The construction of a concrete revetment in Culaman, Jose Abad Santos, was never completed, despite the contractor, Discaya’s St. Timothy Construction Corp., having received the ₱96.5 million payment.