(UPDATE) CONTROVERSIAL contractor Sarah Discaya said her family owns nine companies involved in flood control projects, one of which, Alpha and Omega, bid on 491 projects and won 71.

Out of these nine firms, one is owned by her eldest son and another is run by her husband’s cousin.

Sarah Discaya grilled by Senate over alleged DPWH links

Discaya on Monday attended the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee investigation of reported ghost or substandard flood control projects.

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Senate Minority Leader Vicente Sotto III asked her at what point her business earned its first billion. Discaya replied, “We have been in the construction business for [the past] 23 years, so I would presume in 23 years we can earn that [amount].”

Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada asked Discaya whether there is a “point person” or someone from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) who gives them a list of projects, which they can bid on.

“Wala po ako knowledge (I don’t have any knowledge). I don’t know anyone [from the DPWH],” Discaya said.

To which Estrada said, “I don’t believe you.” Discaya later admitted that she knows the DPWH district engineers in Laguna and Bulacan.

“How did you manage to secure 400 projects? Who was your point person at the DPWH, and where do you get your information? Who provides you with the list of bidding projects?” the senator asked.

“Do you even have enough personnel to handle all these projects?” Estrada added. To which Discaya said, “We have sufficient employees to carry out the projects.”

“This investigation is about transparency and accountability. If you are innocent, then tell the truth. Because if you are not, I assure you — you will be held accountable not only under the law and before the Senate, but also before the people,” Estrada warned.

Under Estrada’s questioning, Discaya also admitted to owning at least 28 luxury vehicles — though in an interview with broadcaster Julius Babao, she had boasted about having more than 40, including a Rolls-Royce and a Bentley.

In the same interview, she readily stated that her and her husband’s fortunes turned when they started doing jobs for the Department of Public Works and Highways.