Speaker Romualdez denies name used in kickback scheme

House Speaker Martin Romualdez has denied allegations that his name was used by contractors Sarah and Curlee Discaya to solicit commissions from infrastructure projects, calling the claims false and malicious.

He stated he did not give permission for anyone to use his name for such purposes and that those who did are scammers who should be held accountable.

The Discaya couple previously submitted an affidavit linking numerous congressmen, including Romualdez and Ako Bicol Representative Zaldy Co, to a public works scandal during a Senate committee hearing.

In response to the accusations, Romualdez and eleven other members of the House of Representatives have denied involvement and plan to file charges against the Discaya couple for perjury.

However, Curlee Discaya has since clarified that he had no direct transactions with Romualdez or Co.

Discaya explained that he mentioned their names to complete his sworn statement, as politicians he spoke with frequently invoked them or superiors to pressure for payments.

He further elaborated that he heard phrases like "Zaldy Co and the Speaker are already collecting" or "the higher-ups are already collecting" as justifications for demands.