Speaker not filing cases against accusers

MANILA, Philippines — Speaker Martin Romualdez has no plans to file criminal charges against contractors Curlee and Sarah Discaya and other accusers who had dragged his name into the multibillion-peso flood control anomaly, the House leader’s spokesman Robert Ace Barbers said yesterday.

Barbers said Curlee Discaya earlier disclosed he did not have any direct transactions with Romualdez involving the Discaya-owned St. Gerrard Construction firm’s flood control projects.

Without any evidence of Romualdez’s alleged involvement in the flood control projects, the allegations remained to be “hearsay,” said Barbers, a former Surigao del Norte congressman.

“On the point of Speaker Romualdez filing any charges, I don’t think that is being considered at this point. Although we are respecting the statements of other members of Congress where they are filing criminal charges against Mr. Discaya for dragging their names, for as long as there is no evidence presented, it is not being considered,” Barbers said in an interview with GMA-7.

Barbers maintained that the House of Representatives under the leadership of Romualdez will not tolerate “wrongdoings” involving congressmen.

“We are not tolerating it. Congress will not and is not tolerating these kinds of things, especially if members of Congress will be involved. We will not cover them up,” Barbers said.

He added that Romualdez, as Speaker, immediately created a joint committee called the infra-committee of the House of Representatives to thoroughly investigate the multibillion flood control anomaly.

Barbers said the Office of the Speaker welcomed the creation of an independent commission by President Marcos that would look into the flood control anomaly.

“That is a very good move, so that no one will be favored and no one will be covered up,” Barbers said.

Meanwhile, Barbers said Romualdez also respects the statement made earlier by Cavite 4th district Rep. Kiko Barzaga that he wants the Speaker to be investigated over anomalies involving flood control funds, specifically during the time when Romualdez was given the caretaker position in Barzaga’s district.

Barzaga resigned from the National Unity Party after he was linked to an alleged plot to oust Romualdez as Speaker, an allegation that Barzaga denied.

“First of all, the Office of the Speaker respects his opinion, the expression of disgust that he stated. But, he said he has evidence where the Office of the Speaker has involvement in flood control projects in his district,” Barbers said, referring to Barzaga.

“Our only request is for him to present this evidence. It is difficult that because of marites (gossip), our officials will be accused, if that is the case we have no justice here and then later on he will just say it is an expression of my personal opinion,” Barbers added.

Barbers said the Office of the Speaker is still giving Barzaga the chance to consult Romualdez and try to resolve and clarify the issues.

Voice of frustration

Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco’s statements calling for a “House overhaul” are nothing more than a “voice of frustration,” according to Barbers.

“Rep. Tiangco’s statements are nothing more than the voice of frustration. Let us recall that he failed to secure either the speakership or the powerful Appropriations chairmanship at the start of the 20th Congress. Neither he nor Rep. Albee Benitez was even nominated for Speaker. Not a single member of the House cast a vote in their favor. That reality speaks louder than today’s rhetoric,” Barbers said in a statement.

“As chief communications officer of the Office of the Speaker, I wish to set the record straight regarding the recent remarks of Navotas Rep. Tiangco pushing for a so-called ‘total overhaul’ of the House of Representatives,” he added.

“Congress does not overhaul. What is needed is to continue working and more laws that are beneficial to the people,” he added.

Barbers maintained that the truth is clear and that all party leaders remain firmly committed to the supermajority coalition under the leadership of Romualdez.

“The trust and confidence of House members in the leadership of Speaker Romualdez remain unshaken. Allegations raised against him and other lawmakers regarding flood control projects are baseless, without evidence and sourced from polluted origins,” Barbers said.

“The House of Representatives stands solid and united. We will not be distracted by intrigues or political sour grapes. Our mission is clear: to continue delivering meaningful legislation and oversight that will benefit every Filipino family,” he said.