Confiscated luxury vehicles ‘utang,’ says Discaya

Luxury vehicles confiscated by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) from controversial contractor Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya were acquired through loans, the contractor said, rejecting allegations that the assets were proceeds of corruption linked to the flood control controversy.

Discaya made the claim amid an ongoing investigation into alleged anomalies in government flood control projects, stressing that the perception of his family’s “excessive wealth” is misplaced.

According to Discaya, the vehicles were purchased on credit and remain financial obligations, not signs of ill-gotten wealth. He said the cars were used primarily to project business credibility.

“Sabi nila ang yaman daw namin. Sa totoo lang, utang nga yan eh. Wala kaming sasakyan na luxury na hindi utang,” Discaya said.

He also questioned the rationale behind the BOC’s seizure of the vehicles, arguing that if the cars have already been confiscated, they should be treated as restitution or payment to the government.

Discaya said the vehicles were bought in “good faith” from a local dealer, Edward Fuentebella, adding that they had no direct participation in importation because they do not hold the required license.

The contractor further questioned why charges were filed against him while the dealer who sold the vehicles continues to operate.

Discaya earlier claimed that the purchases were made upon the recommendation of Quezon’s 3rd District Rep. Reynante Arrogancia.

He also suggested that the lifestyle checks and seizures were part of a broader political effort, noting that his wife, Sarah Discaya, ran against incumbent Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto in last year’s elections and lost.

Discaya said his family is being used as “sacrificial lambs” to shield higher-ranking officials allegedly involved in the misuse of infrastructure funds. He called for fair treatment, pointing out that several politicians are also reportedly clients of the same car dealer and known patrons of luxury vehicles.

The BOC has seized at least seven luxury vehicles from the Discayas, who remain at the center of the flood control corruption scandal.