House leaders deny kickback allegations from construction magnate

House Speaker Martin Romualdez and other lawmakers have denied allegations of demanding kickbacks from government infrastructure projects, as claimed by construction magnate Pacifico "Curlee" Discaya.

Romualdez called the accusations "false, malicious and nothing more than name-dropping," stating he has no involvement in or knowledge of such activities.

In a sworn statement, the Discayas accused 18 district and party-list congressmen, including Romualdez and Rep. Elizaldy Co, of pocketing up to 25 percent of project funds through intermediaries.

The couple stated that the scheme began when a contact offered them access to national-level projects through connections in Congress, if they paid kickbacks.

They claimed that their firm was asked to give 10% to 25% of the project's value as a kickback, which was made in cash and supported by vouchers and ledgers.

The Discayas also mentioned claims from Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) employees that a portion of project funds was intended for Co, and that another lawmaker cited unprogrammed funds and insertions allegedly approved by Romualdez.

The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee has subpoenaed the vouchers and ledgers related to these transactions for the next hearing.