Lacson links Discaya to Romualdez house and lot transaction

Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson disclosed that he is in possession of documents that could shed light on the purchase of a high-value house and lot in South Forbes allegedly linked to former House Speaker and Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.

According to Lacson, the property was acquired in April 2023, and records suggest that a controversial contractor, Curlee Discaya, may have acted as a “front” in the transaction.

“I obtained copies of the deed of absolute sale and the checks used in the payment,” Lacson said, indicating that the documents raise questions about the true buyer and the actual purchase price of the property.

Lacson further revealed that two individuals are prepared to testify regarding the transaction during the continuation of hearings by the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, which is investigating a multibillion-peso flood control project alleged to be riddled with irregularities. The hearing is scheduled for Monday, January 19.

The senator said the prospective witnesses are expected to testify that Discaya acted as a proxy for Romualdez in the purchase of the South Forbes property.

While Discaya’s name does not appear as the buyer in the official documents, Lacson noted that the company listed as the purchaser is owned by an individual with established “links” to Romualdez, raising further questions about the structure of the transaction.

“The discussion was ‘name your price.’ We want to determine how much the property was really sold for,” Lacson said, emphasizing the need to clarify the financial trail behind the deal.

Lacson also said the former owner of the property has expressed willingness to cooperate with investigators and testify before the Senate. The former owner allegedly confirmed that the property was acquired by Romualdez with the assistance of the Discayas through third parties.

“If verified to be true, this could establish a direct connection between the former Speaker and the Discayas,” Lacson said, adding that the Senate may formally invite the former owner to testify to help clarify the transaction.

“This is not coming from just one source,” Lacson stressed. “There are multiple sources. I’ve spoken to at least three, and they are all saying the same thing.”