BREAKING: Mayor Vico Sotto Slams Discaya Family Over Alleged Concealment of Luxury Vehicles and Business Ownership Contradictions

Manila, September 2025 – Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto has publicly expressed his strong disapproval of the Discaya family’s recent statements and actions amid growing scrutiny over their alleged concealment of luxury vehicles and questionable business declarations. The controversy continues to unfold following a Senate investigation into government contracts and asset declarations involving the family.

Senate Inquiry Uncovers Contradictory Testimony

The controversy began when Sarah Discaya, appearing before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, claimed that their family owns 28 luxury vehicles. However, records from the Land Transportation Office reportedly show a different picture, listing at least 40 luxury cars, and over 60 vehicles in total connected to the family, either through personal ownership or business assets.

Among the high-end vehicles cited are Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Mercedes-Maybach, Range Rover, and Cadillac models. Several of these luxury cars were not initially declared or listed during Senate questioning, raising questions about full disclosure and transparency.

Customs Raid Yields Limited Results

In response to these discrepancies, the Bureau of Customs conducted a search at a Discaya property in Pasig. The raid yielded only three vehicles—fewer than expected based on public records. Officials also noted that at least one of the vehicles found was not included in the original search warrant, prompting further procedural reviews.

Authorities suggested that some of the luxury cars may have been moved before the raid or possibly hidden. The Customs bureau has since urged the Discaya family to voluntarily present any remaining vehicles for verification.

BIR Flags Potential Tax and Asset Concealment Violations

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) also weighed in on the issue, warning that disposing of assets or attempting to hide properties during an ongoing investigation could result in legal action. The agency confirmed that they are reviewing the family’s tax records in relation to the number and value of their vehicles, especially those not reported or declared.

Mayor Vico Sotto Calls Out Contradictions

Mayor Vico Sotto, known for his strong anti-corruption stance, addressed the situation directly during a media briefing. He pointed out inconsistencies in Sarah Discaya’s statements, particularly regarding her role in several companies.

Sotto emphasized that during her testimony, Sarah claimed to have already divested from most of the companies in question. However, later in the same hearing, she admitted to maintaining involvement in some of those businesses. The mayor noted that such contradictions are concerning and reflective of deeper governance issues.

He also brought attention to unusually high declared capital in companies allegedly owned by family members with little to no previous business background, suggesting the possibility of “dummy ownership” to obscure true control and asset movement.

Public Concern Over Transparency and Public Contracts

This scandal has sparked widespread discussion, particularly because of the Discaya family’s known involvement in major government projects, including infrastructure and flood control contracts.

Critics have questioned how the family managed to amass such wealth in a relatively short period, and whether all income and assets have been reported properly. The case has also reignited conversations around lifestyle checks, government procurement oversight, and ethical accountability for public contractors and suppliers.

What’s at Stake

The key issues under investigation include:

Undeclared Assets: Significant mismatch between declared and actual luxury vehicle ownership.
False Testimony: Contradictions under oath in a Senate hearing.
Potential Tax Evasion: Possible violations of tax laws based on undeclared or under-reported assets.
Use of Dummies: Allegations of front companies or individuals used to disguise ownership or transfer of wealth.

For Mayor Sotto, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of local governments staying vigilant, even when it involves politically sensitive individuals or well-connected families.

Public Reactions and Political Impact

Across social media and community forums, many citizens have praised Mayor Sotto for taking a firm stance against dishonesty, regardless of the political or social influence of those involved. Others have demanded stronger legislative action to improve transparency in public contracts and personal wealth declarations.

The situation has also drawn comparisons to past high-profile corruption cases, with some commentators suggesting that this could set a precedent for tighter scrutiny of both elected officials and their private contractors.

Conclusion

As investigations continue, the case involving the Discaya family raises serious concerns about financial transparency, ethical responsibility, and the intersection between private business interests and public governance.

With the Bureau of Customs, Bureau of Internal Revenue, and Senate Committees now involved, the coming weeks are expected to bring more clarity—and potentially, consequences.

Mayor Vico Sotto’s uncompromising response signals that, at least in Pasig City, accountability is not optional.

Related Articles

Senate Hearing Reveals 12 Undeclared Luxury Cars Linked to Discaya Family
BOC Raids Discaya Compound: Several Vehicles Missing from Official Records
BIR Issues Warning on Asset Disposal During Ongoing Investigation
Mayor Vico Sotto Slams Use of “Dummy” Companies in Government Contracts
Public Reacts to Allegations: What Citizens Are Saying About the Discaya Scandal