Lawmakers and a city mayor swiftly denied allegations made by Sarah and Curlee Discaya that they were involved in anomalous bidding for Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) projects.
In a statement, House Speaker Martin Romualdez firmly rejected any connection to the Discayas’ claims.
“I have never, and I will never accept a bribe from anybody. Walang sinuman ang kayang manuhol sa akin. Alam iyan ng lahat ng House Members,” Romualdez declared.
Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co, currently abroad for heart treatment, branded the accusations as politically charged.
“These unsubstantiated claims, which attempt to implicate me are not only hearsay but are also politically motivated,” Co asserted.
Other officials included in the Discayas’ long list of names also denied any involvement in rigged DPWH project bidding. Among those who spoke out were:
- Pasig City Rep. Roman Romulo
- Quezon City Rep. Marivic Co-Pilar
- Quezon City Rep. Patrick Michael Vargas
- Quezon City Rep. Arjo Atayde
- Quezon Province Rep. Reynante Arrogancia
- Marikina City Rep. Marcy Teodoro
- Romblon Rep. Eleandro Madrona
- Occidental Mindoro Rep. Odie Tarriola
- San Jose del Monte, Bulacan Mayor Florida Robes
Like Co, several dismissed the allegations as “politically motivated.” Rep. Co-Pilar said she will file a libel case against the Discayas, while Rep. Romulo stressed he never met with any government project contractors.
Romulo is a known ally of Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto—longtime political rival of the Discayas.