Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson on Wednesday said he received information that former House Speaker Martin Romualdez allegedly used government contractors Sarah and Curlee Discaya as “fronts” to acquire a residential property in an upscale Makati City subdivision.
Lacson, chair of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, said the antigraft panel would examine the claim when it resumes its investigation into the flood control projects on January 19. He added that the property’s former owner is willing to testify and provide details of the transaction.
“We would like to clarify persistent reports that former Speaker Martin Romualdez had purchased a house and lot in a plush subdivision in Makati City using the Discayas as front,” Lacson said.
He noted that if verified, the alleged deal “could possibly establish a direct connection between the former Speaker and the Discayas.”
“Name your price yung usapan. Gusto natin maliwanagan kung magkano talaga nagkabentahan,” he said, adding: “Kung merong connection (sina Romualdez and Discayas), dapat maliwanagan (tayo) kung bakit ganong lakas ang tiwala para ipagkatiwala mo yung pagbili ng isang house and lot sa isang sikat na subdivision sa Makati City.”
Lacson emphasized that allegations alone are insufficient to assign liability: “Noise does not convict. Neither does it indict even who may be perceived as the most guilty in the… flood control project saga. Only evidence does.”