MANILA—Senators on Monday pressed contractor Sarah Discaya to explain her ownership of at least 28 luxury vehicles while securing hundreds of government flood control contracts.

At the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on anomalous flood control projects, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada questioned Discaya’s 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 several Range Rovers.

“Ngayon lang ako nakarinig na isang tao o mag-asawa na ganito kadami ang kotse na mamahalin,” Estrada said.

Discaya confirmed she owns 28 vehicles, clarifying that the number includes service cars under her companies.

“Kasi kasama pa ‘yung mga service cars ng mga employees ko that is owned by the company,” she said, adding that some units were bought through installment plans, not cash.

Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros confronted Discaya over conflicting statements in previous interviews where she claimed to own as many as 40 cars.

“So ilan po ‘yung mga sasakyan sa inyo at inyong pamilya?” Hontiveros asked.

“28,” Discaya replied.

Minority Leader Vicente Sotto III revealed that Frebel Enterprises, identified by Discaya as one of her dealers, had been flagged by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) for smuggling luxury vehicles, including Bugattis and Mercedes-Benz units.

“’Yung sinabi niya, pinagbilhan niya, ‘yung Frebel Enterprises, ito ‘yung mga na-charge ng BOC ng smuggled Bugatti, Chiron. Puro smuggled ang mga sasakyan nito,” Sotto said.

Estrada later pressed Discaya if she owned a Bugatti.

“May Bugatti ka, no?” Estrada asked.

“Wala po,” Discaya replied.

The inquiry, chaired by Senator Rodante Marcoleta, is investigating alleged ghost and substandard flood control projects under the Department of Public Works and Highways.

Lawmakers said the lavish lifestyles of certain contractors raise questions over whether billions in public funds have been diverted through anomalous schemes. (PNA)