September 9, 2025 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — Eleven of the 19 members of the Home of Representatives, led by Speaker Martin Romualdez, tagged by a contractor as having acquired bribes associated to flood management initiatives have denied the accusation, vowing to file prices in retaliation.
Flood mission contractor Curlee Discaya’s testimony earlier than the Senate Blue Ribbon committee yesterday named the officers who allegedly demanded bribes from him and his spouse Sarah.
Romualdez, whose title was allegedly utilized by the opposite accused officers, denied any involvement.
“I can not and won’t enable lies and name-dropping to go unchecked. The declare within the Discaya couple’s affidavit that my title was used for commissions is fake, malicious and nothing greater than name-dropping,” the Leyte congressman mentioned.
“Let me be clear: I’ve nothing to do with, not given any permission nor blessing, to such actions,” Romualdez mentioned in Filipino. “Congress debates and approves the funds. It doesn’t launch funds. It doesn’t implement initiatives.”
“I say this with all honesty: I’ve by no means – and I’ll by no means – settle for a bribe from anyone.
I can’t enable falsehoods to tarnish my integrity or the establishment I lead. Beneath my watch, we’ll clear the system, punish the responsible and shield the individuals’s cash,” the Speaker mentioned.
Co breaks silence
Rep. Zaldy Co of Ako Bicol party-list, who’s presently within the US looking for medical therapy, additionally categorically denied allegations that he acquired payoffs.
“I vehemently deny all of the baseless and irresponsible accusations made in opposition to me. These unsubstantiated claims, which try to implicate me, will not be solely rumour, however are additionally politically motivated designed to mislead the general public and deflect accountability,” Co mentioned.
Reps. Eleandro Jesus Madrona (Romblon), Patrick Michael Vargas (Quezon Metropolis fifth district), Marcy Teodoro (Marikina), Roman Romulo (Pasig), Arjo Atayde (QC first district), Leody Tarriela (Occidental Mindoro), Marivic Co-Pilar (QC), Reynante Arrogancia (Quezon province) and former San Jose del Monte Metropolis congresswoman Florida Robes all denied the allegations.
Vico: Discaya could also be mendacity
Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto additionally warned that the Discayas are able to mendacity.
To date, eight different Home members have but to concern statements belying the claims of Discaya.
They’re Reps. Jojo Ang (Uswag Ilonggo party-list), Nicanor Briones (Agap party-list), Benjamin Agarao (Laguna), former congressman Florencio Noel (An Waray party-list), Marvin Rillo (QC), Teodoro Haresco (Aklan), Dean Asistio (Caloocan) and Antonieta Eudela (Zamboanga-Sibugay).
“I strongly deny it,” Madrona mentioned. “To my recollection, I don’t have any mission with him (Discaya). So, what’s the premise of him saying he gave (bribes) to me? I heard he bidded on initiatives with our funds in Romblon, however I’ve no hand and data on how he pays these concerned!”
Vargas equally denied the allegation: “100% not true. What could possibly be their motive? There have by no means been any Discaya initiatives in our district, ever. Zero. That is confirmed and licensed. I’ll file a case for this blatant lie. My monitor document speaks for itself.”
Teodoro, for his half, categorically denied taking a bribe.
“I’ve by no means requested for nor acquired cash, favors or any advantages in change for political affect or legislative motion,” he mentioned in Filipino. “With this, I’m now considering on submitting prices in opposition to the Discayas for mendacity and for attempting to besmirch my good popularity.”
Romulo additionally refuted the claims. “I strongly deny these malicious and fabricated allegations. I used to be by no means concerned in any bidding nor in choosing contractors for DPWH (Division of Public Works and Highways) initiatives.”
Atayde echoed the identical sentiments. “I categorically deny the allegation. I’ve by no means handled them. I’ve by no means used my place for private acquire, and I by no means will. I’ll avail of all treatments beneath the legislation to clear my title and maintain accountable those that unfold these falsehoods.”
Arrogancia denied the accusations, too, describing it as “baseless.”
“My workplace is now speaking to our legal professionals with the intention to clear my title in opposition to these baseless accusations,” he mentioned in Filipino.
Tarriela, Pilar and Robes echoed their denials.
“I vehemently deny it. I’ve not acquired any cash or favor from Discaya. Granting of infrastructure initiatives by the federal government is the accountability of the DPWH. We have no idea, and wouldn’t have any involvement in no matter course of this entails,” Tariella mentioned in Filipino.
Pilar, for her half, delivered a privilege speech on the Home plenary to defend her honor, and described the allegations in opposition to her as a “blatant lie.”
“I by no means met and by no means had dealings with the Discayas,” she mentioned.
Robes known as out the Discayas, and promised to file a libel case in opposition to them. “Whoever is utilizing my title, disgrace on you! There are not any ghost initiatives right here and our infrastructure is world class.”
Exposé ‘unfair’ – Speaker
Romualdez couldn’t cover his displeasure at yesterday’s Senate Blue Ribbon committee listening to, the place he and solely members of the Home had been implicated within the alleged multibillion-peso flood management mission anomalies.
“Senator Escudero could think about the Blue Ribbon hearings as a part of his legacy, however it’s unfair to name them an accomplishment after they relied on unfounded claims,” he mentioned. “And worse, the accusations got here from the contractors themselves – these already beneath investigation and admitting accountability for ghost initiatives.”
To chill issues down, Romualdez yesterday initiated and led officers and members of the Home in looking for the “understanding” of Government Secretary Lucas Bersamin with regard to deliberations of the proposed 2026 nationwide funds.
“If our deliberations have triggered any discomfort, we ask for understanding. The Home’s obligation is to not forged blame however to make sure that each peso within the funds is clear, accountable and really for the individuals,” the Speaker mentioned in a press release. — Janvic Mateo, Gilbert Bayoran
