MANILA, Philippines – Controversial contractor Sarah Discaya on Monday, September 1, admitted that her nine construction firms, on occasions, had simultaneously participated in bidding for the same government flood control projects.
Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada quizzed Discaya over her firms, following a revelation that she owns at least nine construction companies.
“Mrs. Discaya, mayroon bang pagkakataon ‘yung siyam na pag-aari mo ng construction company, meron bang pagkakataon na sila-sila naglalaban sa isang bidding, sa isang kontrata?” Estrada asked.
(Mrs. Discaya, was there ever an instance when your nine construction companies competed against each other in the same bidding for a single contract?)
Initially, Discaya denied the allegation. However, Senator Estrada pressed the issue, saying he would request data from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to support his claim. At that point, Discaya admitted to it.
“So minsan naglalaban-laban yung siyam (So sometimes the nine compete against each other)?” Estrada asked. “Yes po,” Discaya answered.
“So that is not a legitimate bidding. Dahil yung siyam na ‘yun na naglalaban-laban sa isang kontrata, iisa lang may ari. So kahit sino dun, kahit sinong manalo dun sa bidding na yun, ikaw ang panalo,” Estrada said.
(So that is not a legitimate bidding. Because those nine who are competing for one contract, there is only one owner. So whoever among them wins that bidding, you are the actual winner.)
