During a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on anomalous flood control projects, Senator Jinggoy Estrada confronted Sarah Discaya, dubbed the “Queen of Construction,” over allegations that nine construction firms owned by her family had competed against each other in bidding for the same Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) contracts.
“Mrs. Discaya, may pagkakataon ba na ang siyam na pagmamay-ari ninyong construction companies, sila-sila ay naglalaban-laban sa bidding sa isang kontrata?” Estrada asked.
“Paminsan-minsan,” Discaya admitted.
“That’s not legitimate bidding,” Estrada responded. “Yung siyam nay un na naglalaban-laban para sa isang kontrata, kahit sino ang manalo sa bidding na ‘yun, ikaw ang panalo. Dahil sa iyo lahat iyon, eh, Korek? Tama?”
“Opo,” Discaya replied, reluctantly.
“Ang tawag po dyan ay bidding-biddingan,” added Senator Erwin Tulfo, referring to a mock or staged bidding process designed to simulate competition while ensuring the same party benefits.(RRN)
