House Speaker Martin Romualdez on Monday strongly denied allegations raised in a Senate hearing, branding them as lies and malicious name-dropping meant to smear his integrity and undermine the House of Representatives.
“I cannot and will not allow lies and name-dropping to pass unchecked,” Romualdez said in response to the joint affidavit of business couple Pacifico and Cezarah Discaya presented at the hearing presided by Senate Blue Ribbon Committee chairman Rodante Marcoleta
“The claim in the Discaya couple’s affidavit that my name was used for commissions is false, malicious, and nothing more than name-dropping. Let me be clear: I have nothing to do with it, I have never allowed, I did not authorize such irregular transactions and wrongdoings,” the Speaker emphasized.
The seasoned legislation said the House of Representatives only approves the budget and plays no role in releasing funds or implementing projects, including those carried out by 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,” Romualdez said.
The Speaker warned that anyone who invoked his name for money 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 (And if they did that for money, they are the ones who are dishonest and so they should be held accountable),” he said.
The House leader further drew a firm line against corruption:
“And I say this with all honesty: I have never, and I will never, accept a bribe from anybody… The entire House members know it… I do not need—and will never allow myself—to be corrupted by money that does not belong to me,” he declared.
Romualdez vowed accountability for anyone exploiting his name, whether in or out of government.
“But let us not allow lies and name-dropping to destroy reputations or weaken faith in Congress,” he warned.
“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 said.
