MANILA — Former House Speaker and Leyte congressman Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has denied allegations linking him to an alleged property purchase in an exclusive Makati subdivision, with his legal counsel saying the claim is unsupported by facts and contradicted by sworn testimony on record in Congress.
Romualdez’s lawyer and spokesperson, Atty. Ade Fajardo, said the lawmaker had no role in — nor knowledge of — the supposed transaction involving contractor Curlee Discaya and his spouse, stressing that Romualdez has never met the couple.
“Rep. Romualdez has not met the Discayas and has only heard of them based on what is being said in media reports. As such, the claim in the report about using the Discayas as a front in a property purchase is outright baseless,” Fajardo said.
Fajardo pointed to sworn testimony given before the House of Representatives in September 2025, where Curlee Discaya himself denied having any direct dealings with Romualdez.
“Gusto ko lang pong linawin na wala po akong direktang transaksyon. Hindi po ako nagkaroon ng anumang klaseng transaksyon kay Speaker Martin Romualdez,” Discaya said during the hearing.
According to Fajardo, Discaya further testified that Romualdez’s name had merely been mentioned by other parties without the lawmaker’s knowledge or participation. He emphasized that this testimony forms part of the official congressional record and runs counter to allegations being revived in public discourse.
“Mr. Discaya further explained that the Speaker’s name was merely being used or name-dropped by others, without any personal knowledge, meeting, or transaction on his part. This sworn testimony is part of the official congressional record and directly contradicts the insinuations now being revived in public discourse,” Fajardo said.
Fajardo also cautioned against giving credence to unproven accusations, underscoring that sworn statements and evidence must prevail over speculation.
“Let us be reminded that allegations cannot override testimony given under oath. Facts cannot be replaced by speculation. To quote Senator Panfilo Lacson in the earlier media briefing, ‘Noise does not convict. Neither does it indict even who may be perceived as the most guilty in the… flood control project saga. Only evidence does’,” Fajardo added.
He said Romualdez remains respectful of established legal and institutional processes and is confident that any impartial, evidence-based inquiry will clear his name./PN
