Luxury Cars, Lavish Lifestyle, Customs Probe: Discaya Embroiled in Corruption Scandal

St. Gerrard Construction owners, Sarah and Curlee Discaya, present their collection of imported luxury cars to a news anchor. The display of ill-gotten wealth comes amid allegations of financial impropriety related to flood control “ghost projects.”

Luxury Cars, Lavish Lifestyle, Customs Probe: Discaya Embroiled in Corruption Scandal

By Bing Jabadan – TheNationWeek.Com | September 3, 2025

PASIG CITY, Philippines – A Bureau of Customs (BOC) investigation is peeling back the layers of a potential corruption scandal involving St. Gerrard Construction and its owners, Sarah and Curlee Discaya, focusing on alleged tax evasion and the existence of “ghost projects.”

Fueling the probe is the Discaya family’s rapid accumulation of wealth, marked by a fleet of luxury vehicles and lucrative government contracts, raising serious questions about the legitimacy of their business practices.

The investigation began with a search warrant targeting a dozen luxury cars at the Discaya residence.

However, agents discovered only two vehicles – a Maserati and a Toyota Land Cruiser – a discrepancy that contradicts the family’s own admissions.

During a recent Senate hearing, the Discayas initially claimed ownership of 28 luxury vehicles, a figure that reportedly ballooned to 40 in a subsequent online vlog, intensifying suspicions.

“Our priority is locating the remaining vehicles and ensuring all applicable duties and taxes are paid,” said Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno.

He appealed to the Discaya family: “Cooperate fully by surrendering the outstanding vehicles and providing all relevant documentation. Any discrepancies uncovered will only exacerbate the situation.”

The BOC is collaborating with the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) to actively track and intercept the missing vehicles.

The investigation is expanding to scrutinize St. Gerrard Construction’s role in flood control projects.

Allegations of “ghost projects” – initiatives that exist solely on paper – are raising concerns about the potential misuse of public funds and systemic corruption within the contracting process.

The initial execution of the search warrant was met with resistance from security personnel, delaying authorities’ access to the property.

The BOC gained entry with the support of the Philippine Coast Guard and the HPG.

The case has drawn the attention of top government officials, including Department of Finance Secretary Ralph Recto, who has publicly supported the BOC’s efforts in stopping corruption in government offices.

“These kinds of domestic issues can significantly erode investors’ trust in our country,” Recto warned.

He also urged Congress to prioritize budgetary allocations for the government’s anti-corruption agenda.

The rapid ascent of the Discaya’s companies, including Alpha & Omega General Contractor & Development Corp. and St. Timothy Construction Corp., within a mere 11 years has further fueled the probe.

As authorities delve deeper into the company’s financial records and its involvement in flood control projects, investigators vowed to uncover further details.