Former Speaker and Leyte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has never met contractors Sarah and Curlee Discaya.
That is the firm message from his legal team—pushing back against claims that he allegedly used the couple as a “front” to buy a luxury property in Makati City.
According to Romualdez’s lawyer, Ade Fajardo, the allegations have no basis in fact.
“Rep. Romualdez has no knowledge nor involvement in the purported transaction,” Fajardo said, referring to reports linking the former Speaker to the Discayas through an alleged property purchase.
He was direct. And unequivocal.
Fajardo stressed that Romualdez does not know the Discaya couple personally and has only heard their names through media reports.
“He has not met the Discayas,” Fajardo added. “The claim that they were used as a front is outright baseless.”
A controversy, however, continues to unfold.
Earlier, Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said the Senate blue ribbon committee would examine the allegations. Lacson, who chairs the panel, said he is attempting to meet with the previous owner of the Makati property to determine whether there is any direct connection between Romualdez and the Discayas.
If such a link is proven, Lacson noted, it could point to deeper and more significant dealings.
But Romualdez’s camp says the record already tells a different story.
They pointed to sworn testimony given by Curlee Discaya in September 2025—testimony made under oath. In it, Discaya reportedly stated that he never had any transaction with Romualdez.
According to Fajardo, Discaya also clarified that Romualdez’s name had merely been used or name-dropped by others, without Discaya ever meeting or dealing with him personally.
“This sworn testimony is part of the official congressional record,” Fajardo said. “It directly contradicts the insinuations now being revived in public discourse.”
Romualdez, through his lawyer, said he respects institutional processes and welcomes any fair investigation.
“He is confident that any evidence-based inquiry will ultimately prove him right,” Fajardo added.
Still, the issue comes amid lingering controversy.
In the past, the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) recommended the filing of plunder, graft, and bribery charges against Romualdez and former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co before the Ombudsman.
For now, Romualdez’s position remains clear.
No meeting.
No transaction.
No connection.
And he says the truth—documented and sworn—will speak for itself.
