The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee will look into claims that Leyte Rep. and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez purchased a house and lot in a plush subdivision in Makati City using contractors Curlee and Sarah Discaya as alleged “fronts,” according to Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson.
Speaking at the Kapihan sa Senado on Wednesday, Lacson said the committee will seek to clarify what he described as “persistent reports” surrounding the supposed transaction.
“We would like to clarify [the] persistent report that former speaker Martin Romualdez had purchased a house and lot in a plush subdivision in Makati City using the Discayas as front in the said sale. If verified to be true, this could possibly establish a direct connection between the former speaker and the Discayas,” Lacson said.
The matter is expected to be included in the committee’s investigation scheduled on January 19, RH Raymund Dadpaas reported.
Lacson disclosed that at least three separate sources had provided similar accounts regarding the alleged purchase, prompting the Senate to pursue the matter further.
He added that if the allegations are substantiated, they could help establish a link between Romualdez and the Discayas, who have been associated with government contracts.
According to Lacson, the Discayas allegedly cornered Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) contracts from 2016 to 2025, amounting to around ₱207.5 billion. He said the alleged property purchase could serve as a starting point for a broader inquiry into the relationship between Romualdez and the contractors.
“Hindi naman siguro nag-ahente si Discaya. Kung siya ang front, siya ang lumalabas na bumili, ganoon na lang kalaki ang tiwala,kung totoo ha, ni former speaker kay Discaya. So, hindi ganoon kababaw ang kanilang samahan…That is the implication. I'm not saying na cut in stone na talagang involved na talaga si former Speaker. At least we have something to start with,” Lacson said, stressing that these are still allegations and not yet established facts.
Lacson also revealed that he is arranging a meeting with the former owner of the Makati property, who is expected to be invited to testify before the committee.
He said information about the sale was reportedly relayed through third parties, including accounts that household staff recognized the Discayas as the buyers after seeing them on television.
“Ang isa sa mga kwento, nang mapanood ng mga maid sina-Discaya rito, "Ma'am 'yan ang bumili ng bahay mo."'Yan ang konting detalye. But these are of course hindi galing sa so to speak, horses mouth. Kaya gusto natin maiimbita mismo ang former owner na siya na mismo magsabi na ang kausap niya mga Discaya,” Lacson explained.
Should the committee decide to invite Romualdez, Lacson said this would be done through the Speaker of the House as a matter of courtesy, noting that members of Congress cannot be compelled to appear before the Senate.
In the same forum, Lacson made a light remark about Senator Imee Marcos, Romualdez’s cousin, saying she is aware of the various allegations against him. He said she is welcome to participate in the hearings if she has evidence to contribute.
“This is what I’m advising Senator Imee Marcos, noise does not convict neither does it indict given who maybe perceived as the most guilty in the flood control project saga. Only evidence does,” he said.
"Kaya kung meron siyang maiaambag na ebidensya para madiin ang kanyang pinsan sumali siya pagdinig. Walang pipigil sa kanya at walang magbabawal sa sasabihin o gagawin niya,” the senator added.
