Discaya defends luxury fleet as ‘loaned assets’

Controversial contractor Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya defended his fleet of luxury vehicles Friday, claiming the cars were acquired through bank loans rather than the proceeds of corruption.

Discaya’s statement comes as the Bureau of Customs (BoC) continues its investigation into alleged anomalies involving government flood control projects. The agency has seized at least seven luxury vehicles from Discaya and his wife, Sarah, as part of a wider probe into the couple’s assets.

“People say we are so wealthy, but the truth is, those are debts,” Discaya said in a statement. “We don’t own a single luxury vehicle that isn’t under a loan.”

Discaya argued that the high-end vehicles were maintained primarily to establish “company credibility.” He insisted the cars were purchased in “good faith” from a local dealer, Edward Fuentebella, and noted that his firm has no direct involvement in vehicle importation.

The contractor questioned why his properties were targeted while the dealer continues to operate. He previously claimed he purchased the vehicles following a recommendation from Quezon Representative Reynante Arrogancia.

The investigation into Discaya’s lifestyle follows a failed political bid by his wife, who lost the Pasig City mayoral race to incumbent Vico Sotto last year.

Discaya characterized the seizures and the lifestyle check as a “political game,” alleging he is being used as a “sacrificial lamb” to shield higher-ranking officials involved in infrastructure fund issues.

He also challenged the BoC’s logic, suggesting that if the vehicles remain in government custody, they should be considered a form of restitution. Discaya called for fair treatment, citing that many politicians are also clients of high-end car dealers.