Manila, Philippines — September 9, 2025
House Speaker Martin Romualdez strongly refuted claims made by contractors Pacifico “Curlee” and Cezarah “Sarah” Discaya, who alleged that his name was used to solicit commissions from government infrastructure projects.
Romualdez said such accusations were nothing more than “malicious name-dropping,” stressing that if anyone had invoked his name for profit, it was done without his knowledge or consent.
“I will not allow lies to go unchecked. I had no knowledge, gave no permission, and granted no authority for anyone to use my name in such activities,” Romualdez declared. “If they did, then they are the ones guilty of deception and they should be held accountable.”
He added that he has never accepted a bribe, calling himself a self-made individual. “I will not let falsehoods stain my integrity or the House of Representatives. Under my leadership, we will clean the system, punish the guilty, and protect public funds.”
Other Lawmakers Respond
During a Senate blue ribbon hearing, the Discaya couple claimed several legislators and officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) demanded kickbacks in exchange for flood control project contracts.
Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy Co dismissed the testimony as “baseless, politically motivated, and mere hearsay.” He argued that the 2025 national budget was carefully reviewed, approved by Congress, and even subjected to presidential vetoes.
Marikina Rep. Marcelino Teodoro, who was also named, described the claims as a demolition job meant to silence him after he flagged questionable allocations in the 2026 budget. Teodoro emphasized that the Discayas’ projects in Marikina were awarded before his term began. He is now considering perjury charges against the couple.
Pasig Rep. Roman Romulo, who previously opposed Sarah Discaya’s mayoral bid in Pasig, also rejected the allegations. “I never interfered in any DPWH bidding. I didn’t even know who won,” he said.
Quezon City Rep. Arjo Atayde echoed the denials, stressing, “I have never dealt with the Discayas, nor benefited from them in any way.”
Background
The Discayas, who have been accused of involvement in anomalous flood control projects, have offered to testify as state witnesses in exchange for protection. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said the couple must first return any illicit funds if they want to avoid prosecution.
As the controversy grows, lawmakers continue to push back, framing the Discayas’ testimonies as diversions from the larger issue of corruption within infrastructure projects.
