A ranking member of the House of Representatives welcomed contractor Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya's categorical denial that he acted as a “front” for former Speaker Leyte 1st district Rep. Martin Romualdez in the alleged purchase of a high-end property in Makati City.

This, as Committee on Higher and Technical Education Chairman Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre underscored that public discourse shouldn't be anchored on conjecture, but on facts, documents, and sworn testimony.

“Mr. Discaya’s denial is a welcome development that underscores the need for evidence-based discourse and may help stem the spread of unfounded allegations against those being named without proof,” Acidre said.

Discaya is a central figure in the flood control projects corruption scandal.

Romualdez's critics were quick to jump on reports linking him to the alleged property purchase is Makati using the Discaya family as a front. The ex-Speaker, through his counsel, lawyer Ade Fajardo, has denied such connection.

On Saturday, Discaya himself flatly denied the allegation, and said he had only seen Romualdez once at a public event and had never spoken to him.

He rued that his name was being used to drag the former Speaker into a controversy.

Acidre stressed that while inquiries must continue where warranted, fairness demands restraint. “Investigations serve the public best when they rely on verified records and clear testimony. Repeating claims without proof only muddies the waters,” he said.

He reiterated that accountability is best achieved by letting facts speak for themselves.

“If there is evidence, present it. If there is none, we owe it to the public—and to the people being named—to stop the noise,” Acidre added.

Discaya lamented reports dragging Romualdez into the controversy using his name.

Discaya, who remains detained at the Senate over his alleged links to the flood control mess, says he is even willing to “own up” to the Makati house if that is what his critics want — even if it is not true.

The controversial contractor said this would allow the property to be included in the list of assets under review by the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC). He has insisted he has nothing to hide and that the accusation is being blown out of proportion despite the absence of proof.

“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,” Discaya added.