Two witnesses testified before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee on Monday that government contractor Curlee Discaya instructed them to vacate a house in Makati City, claiming it had already been sold to former House Speaker and Leyte 1st District Representative Martin Romualdez.
Identified only as alias “Joy” and “Maria,” the witnesses said they worked for businessman Rico Ocampo, the former tenant of 30 Tamarind Street, South Forbes Park.
The property had earlier been flagged by former Ako Bicol Representative Zaldy Co, who alleged it was used as a “drop-off and storage of money” from kickbacks and cash deliveries for Romualdez’s cousin, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
The witnesses said their office received an email on January 29, 2024, ordering them to vacate within two days. Negotiations for an extension were made through broker TJ Conti of Turnkey Properties.
They recounted that Discaya personally appeared at the property to ensure they moved out.
“During February 1 po, it was just a short introduction by TJ Conti. He mentioned that he is the contractor. And then February 2… he also mentioned that Romualdez ang nakabili,” the witnesses said.
“He was physically there. Natandaan namin siya because he was the one manning the people na sinabihan pa, na tulungan kami para mapabilis yung pag-move out,” they added.
Committee chair Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson asked the witnesses to identify Discaya, who was pointed out inside the hearing room.
The testimony adds a new layer to the ongoing flood control scam investigation, linking alleged ghost projects to high-profile figures and properties.