Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson has revealed that a Makati property allegedly linked to Leyte Rep. and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez is valued at around ₱1 billion, raising questions about its acquisition and ties to a controversial contractor. The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee is set to tackle the issue in its next hearing on the multibillion-peso flood control racket.

MANILA, Philippines — January 22, 2026 — Lacson disclosed that the house located at 30 Tamarind Road, South Forbes Park, Makati City was allegedly acquired through contractor Curlee Discaya, who has been implicated in questionable government projects. The property, situated in one of the country’s most exclusive villages, is said to be worth at least ₱1 billion.

According to Lacson, the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, which he chairs, will investigate the ownership of the property as part of its ongoing probe into the flood control fund controversy. “We will tackle the ownership of the property at 30 Tamarind Road in South Forbes Park during our next hearing,” Lacson said, adding that the committee may invite Romualdez to explain his supposed involvement in the purchase.

The property was reportedly acquired in April 2023 by Golden Pheasant Holdings Corp., a company owned by lawyer Jose Raulito Paras, a fraternity brother and known business associate of Romualdez. Rappler earlier reported that Golden Pheasant Holdings declared in its 2023 financial statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that it bought the house and lot for ₱1.665 billion, covering a land area of 3,196 square meters.

The revelation has fueled speculation about Romualdez’s ties to the acquisition, especially given his position as House Speaker at the time of the purchase. Critics argue that the transaction raises ethical and legal concerns, particularly in light of ongoing investigations into government contracts and alleged corruption.

Lacson’s remarks have intensified scrutiny of Romualdez, who has already faced political controversies in recent months. The senator emphasized that transparency is crucial, noting that the committee will also look into whether the acquisition was connected to public funds or undue influence.

The issue underscores broader concerns about the intersection of politics and business in the Philippines, particularly among high-ranking officials. As the Senate prepares to summon key figures, including Romualdez and Paras, the case is expected to draw significant public attention and could have major implications for accountability in government dealings.

Billion-Peso Home, Billion-Peso Questions

A ₱1-billion home commands attention, especially when named in a probe about billions in flood control funds. Scale matters. When public money under investigation runs into the billions, private assets of similar size invite scrutiny. Panfilo Lacson is right to ask for clarity, not conclusions.

But questions are not verdicts. Ownership claims, intermediaries, and valuations must be proven, not presumed. Martin Romualdez deserves due process, not guilt by optics.

Still, transparency is the price of power. When wealth mirrors the scale of alleged losses, silence costs trust. Will clear answers arrive before doubt hardens into judgment?

Image from Ramon Tulfo