No Family, No Visitors: The Truth Behind Sarah Discaya’s Christmas in Jail
SARAH DISCAYA – Christmas is usually a time for family reunions, but for controversial contractor Sarah Discaya, the holiday season took a very different and somber turn.
The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) confirmed that controversial contractor Sarah Discaya did not receive any personal family visits during the Christmas season while detained at the Lapu-Lapu City Jail in Mactan, Cebu.
According to BJMP spokesperson Jail Superintendent Jayrex Bustinera, visitation privileges for Discaya were limited strictly to online platforms, in line with jail regulations. He added that most of the virtual visits made to Discaya came from her legal counsel rather than family members.
“So far, there have been no personal visits because visitation is strictly through online platforms. Most of her visits have been from her lawyer, and her food is sent from outside and inspected before being allowed inside,” Bustinera said in an interview with Super Radyo dzBB.
Discaya, along with eight former officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Davao Occidental, was transferred to the Lapu-Lapu City Jail on December 19. The transfer followed the issuance of warrants of arrest against them in connection with allegations surrounding anomalous flood control projects. Discaya is currently detained at the female dormitory section of the jail facility.
Earlier, Discaya filed an urgent motion before the Lapu-Lapu City Regional Trial Court seeking to remain under the custody of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). The motion was reportedly linked to claims that her companies were involved in questionable flood control projects, an issue that has placed her under public scrutiny.
In response to the motion, the BJMP clarified that it has already submitted its official comment to the court within the required period.
“We have already submitted our comment since we were given no more than ten days. With the upcoming holidays, our warden sent it ahead of time. Our position is that the BJMP facility is fully prepared, regardless of whether the detainee is a high-profile individual,” Bustinera explained.
The BJMP maintained that Discaya is being treated in accordance with standard procedures applied to all detainees. Jail officials emphasized that security, safety, and compliance with existing protocols remain their top priorities, regardless of the profile or status of those in custody.
As the legal proceedings continue, Discaya remains detained at the Lapu-Lapu City Jail, spending the holiday season without in-person family visitation while awaiting further developments in her case.
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