MANILA, Philippines – Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez firmly denied allegations made against him during a Senate hearing, branding them as lies and malicious name-dropping.
He stressed that such accusations were aimed at tarnishing his integrity and undermining the credibility of Congress.
“I cannot and will not allow lies and name-dropping to pass unchecked,” Romualdez said in a statement issued on Monday.
The allegations came from the joint affidavit of contractors Sarah and Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya, who linked his name to supposed commissions in flood control projects.
READ: Discaya couple names lawmakers, DPWH officials allegedly linked to flood control scandal
Romualdez flatly rejected the claims, calling them “false, malicious, and nothing more than name-dropping.”
“Wala akong kinalaman, wala akong pahintulot, at wala akong basbas sa mga ganyang gawain,” he emphasized.
The House leader explained that Congress only debates and approves the national budget but has no authority to release funds or implement projects.
“These functions belong solely to the Executive branch and agencies like the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH),” he clarified.
He warned that individuals invoking his name for money acted without his knowledge or consent.
Such people, he said, are fraudsters who must be held fully accountable for their actions.
Romualdez drew a firm line against corruption and reiterated that he has never accepted bribes.
“No one can buy me, and all House members know that,” he declared.
He underscored that he is self-made and entrusted by the people to serve with honesty.
Romualdez vowed that anyone who exploited his name, whether inside or outside government, will face consequences.
He warned that lies and name-dropping should not be allowed to destroy reputations or weaken public trust in Congress.
“I will not allow falsehoods to tarnish my integrity or the institution I lead,” Romualdez concluded.
— The Summit Express