In a dramatic Senate hearing, two witnesses directly linked former House Speaker Martin Romualdez to the alleged purchase of a multi-million peso property in an exclusive Makati subdivision, purportedly intended for storing vast sums of money.
Witnesses Point to Romualdez as Buyer
During the resumed investigation by the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee into irregularities surrounding flood control projects on Monday, January 19, 2026, two female witnesses identified contractor Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya as the individual who named Romualdez. According to their testimony, the encounter occurred on February 1, 2024, at No. 13 Tamarind Street, South Forbes Park.
One witness stated they were in the process of vacating the property after receiving an eviction notice when they met Discaya. She alleged that Discaya aggressively demanded they leave immediately, declaring the house had already been purchased by Martin Romualdez. Discaya has firmly denied these claims, asserting he has never set foot in the upscale subdivision.
Allegations of Massive Cash Deliveries
The hearing took a more serious turn with revelations from former Ako Bicol Party-list representative Zaldy Co. In a video statement presented during the proceedings, Co claimed that Romualdez once informed him that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. had ordered the purchase of the South Forbes Park house. The stated purpose was to serve as a storage facility for money from undisclosed “collections and deliveries.”
Co further testified that in 2024, during budget discussions, Department of Justice Undersecretary Jojo Cadiz met with him and Romualdez. Cadiz reportedly conveyed that President Marcos was “displeased” for not receiving any “remittances.” Following this, Co alleged he personally delivered enormous amounts of cash to Cadiz at South Forbes Park, on the orders of Romualdez.
The deliveries he specified were P200 million on December 2, 2024, and a staggering P800 million on December 5, 2024, bringing the total to one billion pesos.
Probe Continues Amid Denials
The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee's hearing continues to unravel a complex web of allegations connecting high-profile political figures to questionable financial transactions and property dealings. The testimonies have introduced serious claims requiring further scrutiny.
While the witnesses and Zaldy Co have provided detailed accounts, the individuals named—including Discaya and, by implication, Romualdez and Cadiz—have denied involvement or knowledge of the alleged events. The committee is expected to pursue these lines of inquiry as it investigates the broader context of the flood control project irregularities.
