Vico: Discaya couple liars

MANILA, Philippines — Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto branded the Discaya couple as “liars” during a House hearing yesterday, accusing them of concealing their wealth and using “their own logic in their universe” to mislead lawmakers.

Speaking at the House committee on infrastructure hearing, the mayor questioned the couple’s sworn claim that their companies earn only two to three percent per contract.

“In their sworn statement, they claimed they only earn two to three percent from each contract. Even if you are not an expert in construction or engineering, it is very obvious that this is a lie… If we check logically, two to three percent of even a P100-billion project would not just be P2 to P3 billion,” Sotto said.

He pointed to the Discayas’ lavish lifestyle as proof that their claims could not be true.

“We saw just one jade piece in their office that was already worth P100 million. And if their vehicles were taxed correctly, the amount would easily reach almost P1 billion, if not more. How can you afford that if you are only earning two to three percent profit?” he said.

“They themselves have been flaunting their wealth. As they revealed in one interview, they have total assets in 11 digits, according to Ma’am Sarah Discaya,” he added.

The mayor ridiculed the couple’s claim that they sometimes incur losses in projects.

“When Senator (Raffy) Tulfo was questioning them, they even claimed they incurred losses. Why would you bid in government contracts only for you to lose in the end? No sane businessperson would do that,” he said.

Sotto also revealed that the Discayas’ nine firms were flagged for unpaid taxes and numerous infractions at the local level.

“All of these nine companies are based in Pasig. Practically all of them have tax deficiencies, probably with the Bureau of Internal Revenue as well. But definitely with the local government unit, they have many violations,” he said.

He noted that Sarah’s husband, Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya, was recently convicted of two counts of building code violations.

Despite this, Sotto said the firms continued to participate in government projects through open bidding since he assumed office in 2019.

Because of these “lies” and violations, Sotto warned lawmakers to treat the Discayas’ statements with caution.

“I think we really have to be careful because in my experience with them, these are people who are capable of lying without batting an eyelash,” he said.

“The challenge now is how to sift through the half-truths and attempts to mislead us, not only of the spouses Discaya but of everyone involved. May we be vigilant and discerning,” Sotto said in a separate statement posted on Facebook.

Protective custody

Meanwhile, the House committee on infrastructure placed under protective custody engineer JP Mendoza of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-Bulacan 1st District, following reports of threats to his life.

In his testimony yesterday, Mendoza said he was the one who took photos of district engineer Henry Alcantara’s phone, which showed the latter’s conversations with Senator Joel Villanueva and bundles of P1,000 bills kept in a friend’s house.

“Last Sept. 1, I received a message on Viber under the name of ‘Hitman.’ And now, before I speak here, he is calling me,” Mendoza told the panel, adding: “What I am asking is security ASAP, Sir. If possible, include also my family.”

On motion by Manila Rep. Joel Chua, committee chair and Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon approved Mendoza’s request for security. — Jose Rodel Clapano