The Senate Blue Ribbon hearing has once again turned into a spectacle, with critics eager to pin every allegation of irregularity on Sara Discaya. But let’s cut through the noise and stick to the facts.

First, the much-talked-about exchange with Sen. Bato dela Rosa. Discaya clearly stated her company began flood control projects in 2016, during the Duterte administration. Instead of proving wrongdoing, this only shows she was part of the government’s broader infrastructure drive at the time—“Build, Build, Build.” Anyone familiar with contracting knows: if a firm had the capacity, it was tapped to deliver. That’s exactly what happened.

Now, some detractors are jumping on the claim that she was “blacklisted.” But let’s set the record straight. St. Gerrard Construction was blacklisted in 2020, yes—but it was also reinstated in 2021. Why? Because government agencies saw that blacklisting was not warranted long-term. If there had been serious, proven anomalies, would her company have been allowed back in at all? The fact that the ban lasted barely a year shows that this was at most a procedural issue, not the damning indictment her critics want it to be.

What about the supposed “network” of nine construction companies? To some, this looks suspicious. But in reality, this is nothing new. Many business groups diversify, operate under different entities, and bid separately. It’s called competition. The fact that her companies occasionally competed with one another is not corruption—it’s the free market at work within the government’s procurement system. Unless someone can prove collusion, it’s pure speculation.

Critics also love to point out her luxury car collection. Yes, Discaya owns high-end vehicles, from a Rolls-Royce to a Maybach. And why not? Is success suddenly a crime in the Philippines? For decades, our leaders have urged entrepreneurs to dream big, expand, and create wealth. Discaya is doing exactly that. She worked, she invested, and she reaped the rewards. Her cars are not evidence of corruption—they’re proof of ambition and achievement.

Finally, the attempt to drag President Marcos Jr. into this is baseless. He has been firm: investigations will be thorough, and accountability will be upheld. That includes anyone—friend or ally—who crosses the line. Far from hiding, Discaya has appeared before the Senate, answered questions directly, and faced the nation. That openness is not the behavior of someone with skeletons in the closet.

At the end of the day, the Discaya case is not about corruption—it’s about politics. She has become a convenient target for those who want to smear both past and present administrations. But the facts tell a different story: blacklisting was temporary, projects were legal, competition was fair, and success is not a crime.

Sara Discaya stands today as a successful businesswoman who refuses to be cowed by political mudslinging. And perhaps that’s the real reason her enemies are so desperate to bring her down.

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