House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Monday strongly denied allegations raised during a Senate hearing, describing them as “lies and malicious name-dropping” intended to damage his reputation and undermine the integrity of Congress.
“I cannot and will not allow lies and name-dropping to pass unchecked,” Romualdez said, referring to the joint affidavit submitted by couple Sarah and Curlee Discaya, which was presented during the Senate’s investigation into alleged anomalies in flood control projects.
“The claim in the Discaya couple’s affidavit that my name was used for commissions is false, malicious, and nothing more than name-dropping,” he added. “Let me be clear: Wala akong kinalaman, wala akong pahintulot, at wala akong basbas sa mga ganyang gawain.”
Romualdez emphasized that Congress’s role is limited to budget deliberation and approval, and does not extend to the release of funds or implementation of projects, including those under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
“Congress debates and approves the budget. It does not release funds. It does not implement projects. That is the sole duty of the Executive and agencies like the DPWH,” he said.
The Speaker also warned that anyone who used his name for financial gain did so without his knowledge and must be held accountable.
“If anyone invoked my name, they did so without my knowledge and without my consent. At kung ginawa nila iyon para kumita, sila ang mandaraya at sila ang dapat managot,” Romualdez stated.
He drew a firm line against corruption, asserting his personal integrity and commitment to public service.
“And I say this with all honesty: 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. I am self-made, and I have been blessed with the trust of the Filipino people. I do not need—and will never allow myself—to be corrupted by money that does not belong to me,” he declared.
Romualdez concluded with a vow to hold accountable anyone who exploits his name, whether inside or outside government.
“Kung may nang-abuso o gumamit ng pangalan ko para kumita, sila ang dapat managot—kahit sino pa sila, sa loob o labas ng gobyerno. But let us not allow lies and name-dropping to destroy reputations or weaken faith in Congress,” he said.
“I will not allow falsehoods to tarnish my integrity or the institution I lead. Under my watch, we will clean the system, punish the guilty, and protect the people’s money,” Romualdez affirmed. (RRN)
