Repeated insinuations of Rep. Martin Romualdez's involvement in the flood control controversy should end following contractor Curlee Discaya's declaration that the former speaker has no connection to it. Rep. Jude Acidre described Discaya's denial as a welcome development that highlights the need for evidence-based discourse to curb unfounded allegations. Discaya remains detained at the Senate over his alleged links to the issue.
In Manila, Philippines, contractor Curlee Discaya, implicated in the flood control controversy, has cleared Rep. Martin Romualdez of any involvement in irregularities. Reports indicate that repeated insinuations linking Romualdez to the issue should cease following Discaya's direct statement that the former speaker bears no connection.
“Mr. Discaya’s denial is a welcome development that underscores the need for evidence-based discourse and may help stem the spread of unfounded allegations against those being named without proof,” Rep. Jude Acidre said.
The allegations stem from claims that Discaya served as a front for Romualdez in the purchase of a high-end property in Makati City. Last week, Discaya flatly denied this, stating he had only seen Romualdez once at a public event and had never spoken to him. He expressed frustration that his name was being dragged into the controversy to implicate the former speaker.
“If there is evidence, present it. If there is none, we owe it to the public – and to the people being named – to stop the noise,” Acidre added.
Discaya remains detained at the Senate due to his alleged ties to the flood control issue. He even offered to “own up” to the Makati property if his critics wished, despite it not being true, to allow its inclusion in the Anti-Money Laundering Council's asset review list. This clarification suggests a push for cleaner dialogue amid corruption accusations surrounding the flood control project.
