JANUARY 18, 2026 — When the name Romualdez surfaces in a controversy, the public pays attention. This time, Senate President Pro Tempore Ping Lacson has stirred the pot: a company owned by someone with “ties” to former Speaker Martin Romualdez was the registered buyer of a luxury property in a gated Makati subdivision.

“I obtained copies of the deed of absolute sale and the checks used in the payment,” Lacson disclosed in a radio interview. 

These aren’t whispers or rumors — he says he has the paperwork.

Adding fuel to the fire, Lacson revealed that two individuals are ready to testify about the purchase when the Senate blue ribbon committee resumes its probe into the multibillion-peso flood control scandal on January 19. The twist? Detained contractor Curlee Discaya allegedly “fronted” for Romualdez in acquiring the property.

But Lacson clarified that Discaya’s name doesn’t appear as the buyer. Instead, the company that bought the property is owned by someone connected to Romualdez. 

If proven, this could expose how “fronts” or dummies are used to mask real ownership in high-stakes deals.

At the “Kapihan sa Senado” forum, Lacson emphasized, “We would like to clarify persistent reports that former Speaker Martin Romualdez had purchased a house and lot in a plush subdivision in Makati City using the Discayas as front.”

He added, “Name your price yung usapan. Gusto natin maliwanagan kung magkano talaga nagkabentahan.” 

(The discussion was ‘name your price.’ We want clarity on the actual selling price.)

The former owner of the property has reportedly expressed willingness to cooperate and testify. If that happens, it could strengthen the link between Romualdez and the Discayas. 

“If verified to be true, this could possibly establish a direct connection between the former Speaker and the Discayas,” Lacson said.

He also noted, “Hindi lang isang source ito. Maraming sources ito. I’ve spoken to at least three sources na pare-pareho yung sinasabi.” 

(This isn’t just one source. There are many sources. I’ve spoken to at least three who all said the same thing.)

With documents, witnesses, and even the former owner willing to speak, how far will this investigation go? And more importantly — Will this shake Romualdez’s influence in the current political landscape? Will this be another scandal that fades into oblivion, or is this the crack that finally dents the Romualdez stronghold?

Truth has a way of catching up, no matter how powerful the name. And if the evidence points straight to Romualdez, will the Senate dare to break the shield of one of the country’s most powerful dynasties?

(Image: PIA - Philippine Information Agency)