Senate Hearing Links Romualdez to Makati Property in Flood Control Scam Probe

Sen. Ping Lacson, chair of the Blue Ribbon Committee

Senate Hearing Links Romualdez to Makati Property in Flood Control Scam Probe

By Wilma N Yamzon – TheNATIONWEEK.com | January 20, 2026

MANILA, Philippines – A Senate Blue Ribbon Committee’s investigation into a multi-billion-peso flood control scam intensified Monday as witnesses implicated former Speaker Martin Romualdez in the alleged acquisition of a high-end Makati property, purportedly used as a drop-off point for kickbacks.

The allegations surfaced during a hearing where contractor Curlee Discaya, a central figure in the probe, denied any involvement in the kickback scheme.

2 Witnesses Point to Romualdez’s Acquisition

Two witnesses identify contractor Curlee Discaya, who is linked to a luxury property owned by Rep. Martin Romualdez.

Two confidential witnesses, identified only as Joy and Maria, testified that Discaya personally informed them Romualdez “acquired” the property located at 30 Tamarind Street in South Forbes Park.

The witnesses, former employees of a tenant who leased the property, claimed Discaya explicitly stated, “Romualdez bought it.”

Their testimony hinges on conversations with Discaya, claiming he identified Romualdez as the new owner.

The property, sold in April 2023, was acquired by Golden Pheasant Holdings Corp.

Sen. Ping Lacson, chair of the Blue Ribbon Committee, highlighted the connection between Romualdez and the corporation, revealing that Jose Raulito Paras, a purported fraternity brother and business associate of Romualdez, is a “major stockholder.”

This corporate link is a key element the committee is investigating.

Tenant Eviction, Discaya’s Alleged Involvement

According to witness testimony, the tenant’s office received an email from Ocampo, Manalo, Valdez, and Lim Law Firm on Jan. 31, 2024, demanding they vacate the premises within two days.

Lacson confirmed he spoke with Rico Ocampo, the former tenant’s boss, about an alleged encounter with Discaya during the eviction.

“He made mention that you encountered someone when you were forcibly pushed out of the residence, and he mentioned Curlee Discaya. Would you confirm that?” Lacson asked during the hearing as he established a direct connection between the eviction and Discaya’s alleged presence.

Witnesses further testified that they met Discaya at the property on Feb. 1, introduced by a broker named TJ Conti as the “contractor.”

Despite not being formally introduced by name, the witnesses identified Discaya as the individual “manning the people” and directing the move-out process.

“We remembered him because he was the one manning the people; he even told them to help us so we could move out quickly,” one witness said, emphasizing Discaya’s role in the eviction.

When they requested an extension, Discaya allegedly refused, saying, “I’m a contractor here; we also have deadlines.”

The witnesses solidified their identification of Discaya after recognizing him on television during the congressional probe into the flood control anomalies.

During the hearing, they directly identified Discaya, present at the investigation, as the property “contractor” for Romualdez.

Discaya Denies Involvement, Challenges Witnesses’ Credibility

In response, Discaya questioned the witnesses’ credibility, requesting they remove their facemasks to confirm their identities, a request Lacson denied.

“I want to identify the two people pinpointing me because I’ve never been to South Forbes Park. I don’t even know what kind of houses there are. So, it’s really vague,” Discaya told the senators.

“I did not instruct any brokers because I’m afraid to buy properties in those places. I only buy in the Pasig area where land costs are not expensive.”

Lacson countered that the committee’s responsibility was to verify the claims, not for Discaya to dictate the process, emphasizing the central question of whether Discaya mentioned Romualdez as the new owner.

This exchange highlights the conflicting narratives and the committee’s focus.

Romualdez’s Camp Dismisses Allegations as Unsubstantiated Hearsay

Romualdez’s lawyer, Ade Fajardo, dismissed the witnesses’ testimonies as “logically and physically impossible,” citing Discaya’s denial of ever being in South Forbes Park.

Fajardo argued the claims were based solely on the accounts of disgruntled former employees.

“The claims come solely from the staff of an evicted tenant, unsupported by any document, while Martin Romualdez’s name appears in no deed, contract, or payment record related to the property.

“There is no evidence—only hearsay and possibly perjured statements—and therefore nothing to answer,” Fajardo pointed out.

Allegations Echo Previous Kickback Claims

The South Forbes Park property is the same location former Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy Co alleged was purchased as a “drop-off and storage of money from SOPs,” or kickbacks from the government, intended for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Romualdez.

Co, facing multiple charges related to substandard flood control projects, claimed he inserted P100 billion into the 2025 budget at the behest of Marcos and Romualdez, with P56 billion allegedly going directly to them.

This links the property to a larger alleged scheme of corruption.

Marcos has dismissed Co’s allegations, while Romualdez maintains his “conscience remains clear.”

Co, currently believed to be hiding in Portugal, fled to the United States in July 2025 after the flood control anomalies surfaced, further complicating the investigation.