The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee is set to scrutinize the ownership of a ₱1-billion property in Makati City allegedly tied to former House Speaker and Leyte 1st District Representative Martin Romualdez.
Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, who chairs the panel, said the house at 30 Tamarind Road in South Forbes Park will be a key subject in the next hearing on anomalous flood control projects.
Lacson noted that Romualdez may be invited to explain his supposed involvement in the acquisition, along with lawyer Jose Raulito Paras, owner of Golden Pheasant Holdings Corporation, which reportedly purchased the property in April 2023.
“For the next blue ribbon hearing, we can invite Romualdez anew and course the invitation through Speaker Faustino Dy III,” Lacson said in a radio interview.
“If he wants to attend, he is welcome to come and air his side. But he cannot be forced to come due to inter-parliamentary courtesy,” he added.
The veteran lawmaker clarified that while current evidence may not directly implicate Romualdez, it could provide leads for investigators.
“What I am saying is that it will provide leads to investigators because the Senate investigation is not for prosecution, but is in aid of legislation. At the same time, we can forward the appropriate evidence to the investigating agencies,” he said.
Lacson earlier alleged that government contractor Curlee Discaya and his wife, Sarah, acted as dummies for Romualdez in acquiring the property, which was previously owned by shipping magnate Doris Magsaysay-Ho.
During Monday’s hearing, two witnesses testified that Discaya visited the house in January 2024 after they were evicted. The witnesses identified themselves as staff members of businessman Ricco Ocampo, who had leased the property before its purchase by Golden Pheasant.
The committee also intends to ask the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to clarify details of the transaction. Lacson said Paras may likewise be invited to explain his financial capacity to acquire such an expensive property.
“We will invite Atty. Paras and if he says Golden Pheasant and not former Speaker Romualdez bought the property, he can explain to the Bureau of Internal Revenue what his financial capacity is to buy the house, which is quite expensive,” Lacson said.