Romualdez, House members deny links to flood control kickbacks

Speaker Martin Romualdez and several members of the House of Representatives denied links to kickbacks from flood control projects alleged by contractors Sarah and Curlee Discaya in a Senate hearing on Monday.

"I cannot and will not allow lies and name-dropping to pass unchecked," Romualdez said in a statement.

"The claim in the Discaya couple’s affidavit that my name was used for commissions is false, malicious, and nothing more than name-dropping. Let me be clear: Wala akong kinalaman, wala akong pahintulot, at wala akong basbas sa mga ganyang gawain," he added.

The House leader warned those who used his name to get contracts and commissions will answer before the law.

"If anyone invoked my name, they did so without my knowledge and without my consent. At kung ginawa nila iyon para kumita, sila ang mandaraya at sila ang dapat managot. And I say this with all honesty: I have never, and I will never, accept a bribe from anybody," he said.

During the Senate hearing, the Discaya couple disclosed the names of at least 17 incumbent and former congressmen, their staff, and officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways who were allegedly involved in corruption in the country’s flood control projects.

They also expressed willingness to turn state witness in the investigation of the flood control project mess.

Some of the lawmakers named denied the allegations made by the Discayas.

Romblon Rep. Eleandro Jesus Madrona questioned the basis of Discaya's remarks.

''I strongly deny the statement of Discaya,'' Madrona said in a statement. ''To my recollection, wala akong project sa kanya, so anong basehan ng sinabi niyang pagbigay niya sa akin (I have no project with him, so what was his basis for his claim that he gave me money)?''

Madrona said he had heard that the Discayas bid on projects in Romblon; but, he insisted that he has no hand and knowledge on how they pay those involved. 

Bulacan Rep. Florida Robes, who is now the mayor of San Jose del Monte, said she would file a libel case against Curlee Discaya. 

“Kung sino man gumagamit ng pangalan ko, mangilabot naman kayo (Whoever uses my name, may you get goosebumps)!'' Robes said in a statement. 

“Kitang-kita naman ng marami kung gaano na kaganda ang San Jose del Monte ngayon. Walang ghost project dito at pang-world class ang aming mga infrastructure,” Robes said. 

(Everyone can see how beautiful San Jose del Monte is right now. There's no ghost project and the kind of our infrastructure is world-class.)

Rep. Marcelino Teodoro, former mayor of Marikina City, branded Discaya's remarks as diversionary tactics to turn the attention away from the real corruption in flood control projects. 

''Walang katotohanan ang mga paratang ng mga Discaya. Isa lang itong demolition job—a cheap shot para siraan ako,'' Teodoro said, noting that the projects of the Discayas in Marikina City were secured before his term as congressman. 

(The allegations of the Discayas are not true. This is a demolition job—a cheap shot to destroy me.)

Quezon City Rep. Arjo Atayde also denied the allegation that he benefited from any contractor, saying that he has never dealt with them

''I have never used my position for personal gain, and I never will. I will avail of all remedies under the law to clear my name and hold accountable those who spread these falsehoods,'' Atayde said.

Pasig Rep. Roman Romulo also denied Discaya's accusation. 

''Not true,'' he said.

Occidental Mindoro Rep. Leody "Ode" Tarriela dismissed the allegation and said that the implementation of the projects lies solely on the DPWH, adding that he has no part in it. 

''Ang pagtukoy at pagpapapondo ng malalaking national government projects tulad ng flood control ay trabaho ng DPWH Regional o National Office, at hindi ng congressman,'' he said. 

(Determining and funding big national government projects are under the DPWH regional or national office, and not the job of the congressman.)

Quezon City Rep. Patrick Michael Vargas said the Discayas have no project in his district.

''Zero. This is confirmed and certified. I will file a case against them for this blatant lie. My track record speaks for itself,'' he said. 

In a "24 Oras" report by Darlene Cay, Quezon City Rep. Marivic Co-Pilar said she has never spoken to the Discayas and has not authorized anybody to deal with them.

Caloocan Rep. Dean Assistio said there are no ghost projects in his district.

Laguna Rep. also denied asking for money from the Discayas in exchange for projects, stressing the contractors have no project in his district.

Quezon Rep. Reynante Arrogancia also sought to clear his name from the allegations, saying they have no basis.

Some of the lawmakers said they would file a case against the Discaya couple.

GMA Integrated News is still trying to reach the other officials named by the Discayas for their side.—LDF, GMA Integrated News