Manila: Senators on Monday intensified their scrutiny of contractor Sarah Discaya’s ownership of luxury vehicles, pressing her to explain how she acquired at least 28 high-end cars while cornering hundreds of government flood control contracts.

According to Philippines News Agency, at the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on anomalous flood control projects, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada grilled Discaya on her car fleet, which includes a Rolls-Royce Cullinan worth about PHP42 million, a Maybach valued at PHP22 million, a Bentley pegged at PHP20 million, Cadillac Escalades, GMC units, and multiple Range Rovers. Estrada expressed disbelief that one family could accumulate such wealth.

Discaya admitted to owning 28 cars, clarifying that the figure included service vehicles under her companies. She added that some of the cars were bought through installment plans, not cash. Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros also questioned Discaya on the conflicting numbers she had given in past interviews, where she mentioned owning as many as 40 cars.

Minority Leader Vicente Sotto III revealed that Frebel Enterprises, identified by Discaya as one of her car dealers, was flagged by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) for smuggling high-end vehicles, including Bugattis and Mercedes-Benz units. Estrada then pressed Discaya on whether she owned a Bugatti, to which she quickly responded, ‘Wala po (None).’

The inquiry, chaired by Senator Rodante Marcoleta, is probing alleged ghost and substandard flood-control projects under the Department of Public Works and Highways. Lawmakers said the extravagant lifestyles of some contractors highlight the need to determine if billions in public funds have been diverted through anomalous schemes.