House Members Back Martin Romualdez To Remain in Position amid Flood Control Accusations
MARTIN ROMUALDEZ – Members of the House of Representatives clarified that there is no change of leadership in the chamber citing they’re “solid”.
The joint affidavit of controversial contractors Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya and Cezarah “Sarah” Discaya sparked countless headlines. During a Senate flood probe, the contractors named the officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and some congressmen who allegedly receive kickback from the flood control deals awarded to them.
Quezon City Congressman Arjo Atayde was one of the politicians mentioned by the Discayas in their testimony. They also mentioned Pasig City Rep. Roman Romulo and Marikina Rep. Marcy Teodoro. All three (3) congressmen were quick to deny the allegations of the controversial contractors.
Aside from Atayde, Romulo, and Teodoro, Pacifico and Sarah Discaya also claimed in the testimony read by him during a Senate flood hearing that the following personalities allegedly received kickback from them for the flood control projects awarded to their firms:
- Terence Calatrava, Former Undersecretary of the Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas of the Philippines
- USWAG Ilonggo Party-list Rep. Jojo Ang
- Quezon City Rep. Patrick Michael Vargas
- AGAP Party-list Rep. Nicanor Briones
- San Jose del Monte Bulacan Rep. Florida Robes
- Romblon Rep. Eleandro Jesus Madrona
- Former congressman Benjamin Agarao, Jr.
- Former congressman Florencio Gabriel Noel
- Occidental Mindoro Rep. Odie Tarriela
- Quezon Rep. Reynante Arrogancia
- Quezon City Rep. Marvin Rillo
- Former congressman Teodorico Haresco, Jr.
- Former congressman Antonieta Eudela
- Caloocan Rep. Dean Asistio
- Quezon City Rep. Marivic Co-Pilar
House Speaker Martin Romualdez and Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co who is currently in the United States amid the flood control probe were also mentioned in the testimony of the Discayas. However, during a House flood hearing, Pacifico Discaya also claimed that he never had a personal transaction with the House Speaker.
Amid the accusation and the criticisms against House Speaker Martin Romualdez, the presidential cousin remains to have the support of the majority in the House of Representatives. Based on a report on GMA News, Deputy Speaker and La Union Rep. Paolo Ortega V stressed that Romualdez remains in his position amid the issue.
“There is no change of leadership. There are a lot of rumors around. Mga bulong-bulong. Tawag lang ‘yung naririnig ko. But as you can see, the House is solid, and there’s no change in the leadership,” the Deputy Speaker said.
Furthermore, based on the report, Ortega also claimed that House majority coalition recently met. One of those who were present at the said meeting was presidential son and House Majority Leader Sandro Marcos who is also the nephew of House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
“Nagkakaisa po ang House of Representatives. Nandun po lahat ng party leaders, at naroon po ang aming Majority Floor Leader,” Ortega stressed.
Immediately following the testimony of the controversial contractors read by Pacifico Discaya during a Senate flood probe, House Speaker Martin Romualdez reacted to the claim of the Discayas.