‘Discaya’s clearing of Romualdez should end baseless claims’

MANILA, Philippines — Repeated insinuations of the alleged involvement of Rep. Martin Romualdez in the flood control controversy should end with the declaration of contractor Curlee Discaya that the former speaker has nothing to do with it.

“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.

Allegations have surfaced that Discaya acted as a front to Romualdez in the alleged purchase of a high-end real estate property in Makati City.

Last week, Discaya flatly denied the allegation, saying he had only seen Romualdez once at a public event and had in fact never spoken to him. He lamented that his name was being used to drag the former speaker into the flood control controversy.

“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 said.

Discaya, who remains detained at the Senate over his alleged links to the flood control controversy, said he is even willing to “own up” to the Makati house if that is what his critics want — even if it is not true.

He said this would allow the property to be included in the list of assets under review by the Anti-Money Laundering Council.