Roman Romulo to make SALN public, waive bank secrecy to refute Discaya's claims
MANILA, Philippines — While most lawmakers kept mum on their statements of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALNs) after being linked to alleged flood control kickbacks, Rep. Roman Romulo (Pasig, Lone District) wasted no time in saying he would release his.
In an interview on Wednesday, September 10, Romulo said he is preparing to make public a copy of his SALN and sign a waiver of bank secrecy.
“Sa totoo (In truth), I am also preparing to give my SALN and also to waive my bank secrecy,” he told ANC’s “Headstart.”
Romulo said these documents would reflect the kind of life he leads in public service, one his neighbors are already familiar with.
“Especially my neighbors, they know how we live. I don’t even live in my own house. So at the end of the day, hopefully the way I’ve been living is proof of many things,” he added.
This came after businessman Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya accused Romulo as among the House members who allegedly demanded kickbacks from government projects awarded to his family’s construction firm.
Discaya later backtracked during the House probe on anomalous flood control projects. While he initially named Romulo among those who supposedly sought kickbacks, he later clarified that individuals who approached him for a cut had only used the lawmaker’s name.
He confirmed he had no direct dealings with Romulo.
Romulo said he is also working on filing perjury charges against Discaya, noting that the construction magnate made the accusations under oath during the Senate inquiry.
Local vs national projects
He also drew a distinction between local and national projects. For local government projects, the entire bidding process is handled by the local government under the mayor’s authority.
National projects, such as the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) flood control structures, are instead managed by the concerned agencies themselves, with the national government overseeing both the funds and the bidding process.
“So there is a difference really in the matter of control. I know sasabihin kasi ng iba, ‘Hindi, kasi nga may influence’,” he said.
“But in an ideal perfect world, there is really a difference because iba ‘yung pamamalakad, paghawak ng pondo, pag-local, at iba ‘yung nasyonal,” Romulo added.
Proposing projects is part of the job, bids aren’t
Asked if he ever recommended projects for Pasig City, he said it was only natural for a district representative to do so. For instance, he said he had already proposed funds for school buildings by consulting the Schools Division Superintendent (SDS) on local needs.
He added, however, that many of his recommendations never made it into the final national budget, or General Appropriations Act (GAA).
Was it possible that one of his proposed projects ended up being awarded to Discaya’s construction firm? Romulo said it could be, but stressed he does not involve himself in the bidding process, as doing so would suggest personal interest.
He also pointed out that the Discayas’ and their political allies in the 2025 midterms were opponents of his party, Giting ng Pasig.
Romulo said the family may have invoked his name because the local government has been pursuing them over unpaid taxes, fees and other alleged violations, believing Discaya’s claims against him were lies.
The lawmaker said it is also possible that the DPWH itself is invoking his name, though he has no confirmation and said it is up to the agency to respond.
Romulo also cautioned against accepting such allegations at face value without solid proof.
During the joint panel's second hearing, lawmakers who questioned Discaya flagged repeated contradictions in his affidavit and testimony, leaving his claims on shaky ground.
What went before
Besides Romulo, 16 other lawmakers were also named, including House Speaker Martin Romualdez and Rep. Elizaldy Co (Ako Bicol Part-list). All denied the allegations, and several said they intend to file charges.
To clear their names, Rep. Chel Diokno (Akbayan Party-list) said tagged officials should bare their SALNs and waive their bank secrecy. He was also the one who proposed that members of the House Infra Committee fully disclose any conflict of interest in the investigation.
However, the committee only required a written disclosure stating that they have no pecuniary or financial interest in the flood control projects investigated.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is also investigating whether government contractors had donated to the campaigns of public officials in past elections while they were still holding active projects.
Several legislators in both the House and Senate reportedly have ties to construction firms that have won contracts worth millions to billions, particularly for flood control projects.
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