Licenses of DPWH Contractor Sarah Discaya's Nine Companies Revoked
The Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board revokes nine contractor licenses linked to Sarah Discaya following revelations of collusion and procurement fraud in public infrastructure projects.
The Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB) has officially revoked the licenses of nine construction firms owned or controlled by prominent contractor Sarah Discaya, amid mounting corruption allegations involving government-funded flood control projects.
In Board Resolution No. 75, series of 2025, PCAB declared that the continued accreditation of the following companies poses a threat to public interest, industry integrity, and transparency in government procurement:
- St. Gerrard Construction Gen. Contractor & Development Corporation
- Alpha & Omega Gen. Contractor & Development Corporation
- St. Timothy Construction Corporation
- Amethyst Horizon Builders and Gen. Contractor & Development Corp.
- St. Matthew General Contractor & Development Corporation
- Great Pacific Builders and General Contractor, Inc.
- YPR General Contractor and Construction Supply, Inc.
- Way Maker OPC
- Elite General Contractor and Development Corp.
"The Board RESOLVES, as it is hereby RESOLVED, that the Contractors' Licenses of the nine (9) corporations abovementioned, owned or controlled by Ms. Sarah Discaya, are hereby REVOKED, effective immediately upon arrival of this Resolution," stated the decision, approved via ad referendum by PCAB Chair Pericles Dakay on September 1 and made public on September 3.
Admission During Senate Hearing
During a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on September 1, Discaya admitted to owning and controlling the nine companies and participating in public bidding processes, raising serious concerns over potential collusion and procurement law violations.
The PCAB cited Republic Act No. 12009, or the Government Procurement Act of 2024, which mandates that procurement must be "competitive, transparent, and free from collusion." The law explicitly prohibits conflicts of interest and multiple participation in a single bidding process by entities under common ownership or control.
“Such admission establishes a scheme of joint or multiple bidding participation designed to influence the outcome of public bidding, manipulate results, and corner public projects.”
PCAB will now issue formal notices of revocation to the nine firms, remove them from its registry of licensed contractors, and distribute copies of the resolution to relevant agencies including the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and others.
Billions in Contracts, Dozens of Luxury Cars
Discaya confirmed that her companies had secured over 400 contracts, many of them for flood control projects, accounting for roughly ₱100 billion in government infrastructure spending over the last three years. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. previously flagged these firms as among a small group monopolizing flood control projects.
Discaya denied any wrongdoing, asserting that their success came from over two decades of contracting experience. She said their firms began bidding in 2012 and secured flood control contracts starting in 2016.
She also admitted to owning 28 luxury vehicles, including a Rolls-Royce Cullinan, Mercedes-AMG G 63, Maybach, three Range Rovers, Cadillacs, GMCs, a Bentley, and others. She claimed these were purchased legally from dealers Frebel Enterprise and Autoart, both previously investigated by the Bureau of Customs for smuggling and undervaluation violations.
On September 3, the Bureau of Customs announced it had seized and secured 12 of Discaya’s luxury cars, now under 24/7 guard with assistance from the Philippine Coast Guard. The agency is reviewing their importation records and warned of penalties for concealment or tax evasion.
From Senate to Social Media: National Backlash
The Discayas became a national talking point after Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto, whom Sarah ran against in a local election, highlighted their controversial interviews. The couple’s televised features with Korina Sanchez and Julius Babao showcased their wealth and rags-to-riches narrative, igniting online backlash.
Social media users extended their criticism to other politically connected families and so-called “nepo babies” flaunting wealth online through designer clothing, luxury trips, and vlogs, raising questions about systemic corruption and privilege.
The outrage has led several public personalities to speak out, urging transparency and reform in public contracting and procurement processes.