Manila City District III Councilor Joel Chua- Photo courtesy of Joan Bondoc/Philippine News Agency (PNA).
Manila 3rd District Rep. Joel Chua said scrutiny of former House Speaker Martin Romualdez must rely on facts, not unverified claims.
Chua issued the statement after Romualdez’s alleged ties to government contractors, including the Discaya family, were raised during a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on January 19.
“Repeating a claim does not strengthen it—evidence does,” Chua said, emphasizing that Romualdez has consistently subjected himself to public review.
He added that due process is essential, protecting both the innocent and ensuring accountability for the guilty.
The Senate inquiry into the flood control scandal featured witnesses alleging that Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya linked Romualdez to a property purchase in Forbes Park, Makati.
However, the witnesses presented no supporting documents, and Discaya himself denied entering the subdivision or selling property to Romualdez.
Chua stressed that investigations should focus on concrete evidence and systemic reforms rather than targeting individuals, saying, “Flood-control issues should be resolved through reforms, not scapegoating.”
