Contractor Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya denied that he was used by former House Speaker Martin Romualdez as a “front” to buy a high-end property in Makati City.

“That is not true! I have only seen the former Speaker in person once, and we didn’t even talk because he was talking to someone else,” Discaya said.

Discaya, who is currently detained in the Senate over alleged links to the flood control controversy, added that if he were asked to admit ownership of the Makati house, he would comply—even if it is not true—and allow it to be included in the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) property list.

“Even if my lawyers do not agree with restitution, I will personally allow the property in Makati to be used for restitution to return it to the public,” he said.

“I am certain it will be the largest restitution even if you combine those of DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, former DPWH Bulacan District Engineer Henry Alcantara, former DPWH Regional Director Gerard Opulencia, and contractor Sally Santos, because I am sure the properties in that Makati village are worth multi-billions,” he added.

Discaya criticized the government for treating them as “sacrificial lambs,” claiming that instead of being heard, he and others are being targeted and pressured.

“It’s not true that we are dummies of the former Speaker. They just want to use us again for media optics and treat us as sacrificial lambs,” he said.

Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson revealed he received information alleging that Romualdez used the Discayas to purchase a house in a posh Makati subdivision. Lacson said he is scheduled to meet with the former owner of the property before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing resumes on Monday, 19 January.

In a statement, Romualdez dismissed the reports as “outright baseless,” saying he has “no knowledge nor involvement” in the transaction.