Who is Sarah Discaya?
SARAH DISCAYA – The controversial contractor has been making headlines due to allegations of ghost flood control projects under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
Profile
Sarah Discaya, whose full name is Cezarah Rowena Cruz Discaya, was raised in London in a modest household. Reports say her parents worked in service jobs, though she later clarified that her father had also been a local contractor. After completing her early education in London, she moved to the Philippines and earned a Business Administration degree from Pasig Catholic College. Known to supporters as “Ate Sarah,” she is married to Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya II, and together they have four children.
Early Career
Sarah began her career in humble roles, working as a dental receptionist, nurse’s assistant, and English teacher for foreign students. She later held positions as a marketing officer and recruitment officer. In 2012, she and her husband ventured into the construction industry, joining government biddings under the DPWH. Over the years, their family became a familiar name in flood control projects.
Business Expansion
The Discayas eventually became linked to nine construction companies, including Alpha & Omega and St. Gerrard. Some of these firms even competed against one another in project bids. Sarah maintained that such practices were permitted under procurement rules, although senators questioned their fairness. She stated that Alpha & Omega alone participated in nearly 500 projects in 2022, winning 71 contracts.
Wealth and Lifestyle
In September 2024, the couple drew national attention when a vlog revealed a collection of nearly 40 luxury vehicles worth more than ₱400 million. While Sarah openly discussed her purchases, the display was heavily criticized as excessive, especially given their firms’ involvement in government infrastructure projects.
Controversies and Senate Hearing
This display of wealth raised questions about the source of their income and eventually led to Sarah’s appearance before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee in September 2025. Lawmakers pressed her on alleged “ghost projects” and possible political connections. Sarah denied the accusations, emphasizing that her family had been in construction for more than two decades and had participated in projects through the legal bidding system PhilGEPS.