House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on Monday denied claims by the Discaya couple that he received kickbacks in government infrastructure projects.

In his official statement, Romualdez said that the government contractors Sarah and Curlee Discaya’s affidavit was "false, malicious, and nothing more than name-dropping."

“I have never, and I will never, accept a bribe from anybody. Walang sinuman ang kayang manuhol sa akin. Alam iyan ng lahat ng House Members. I am self-made, and I have been blessed with the trust of the Filipino people. I do not need—and will never allow myself—to be corrupted by money that does not belong to me,” he said in a statement.

The remarks came after Discayas' named Romualdez and 17 other lawmakers in an affidavit, presented during a Senate hearing, claiming they received commissions from flood control and other Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) projects.

“I cannot and will not allow lies and name-dropping to pass unchecked,” Romualdez said.

The House Speaker emphasized that Congress has no role in releasing project funds and only approves the budget.

“Let me be clear: Wala akong kinalaman, wala akong pahintulot, at wala akong basbas sa mga ganyang gawain,” Romualdez said.

Romualdez warned that anyone who invoked his name for personal gain must be held accountable.

“If anyone invoked my name, they did so without my knowledge and without my consent. At kung ginawa nila iyon para kumita, sila ang mandaraya at sila ang dapat managot,” he said.

Moreover, he also called for accountability for anyone exploiting his name, inside or outside government.

“Kung may nang-abuso o gumamit ng pangalan ko para kumita, sila ang dapat managot—kahit sino pa sila, sa loob o labas ng gobyerno. But let us not allow lies and name-dropping to destroy reputations or weaken faith in Congress,” Romualdez added.

The Speaker concluded the need to protect public funds and maintain the integrity of the institution he leads.

“I will not allow falsehoods to tarnish my integrity or the institution I lead. Under my watch, we will clean the system, punish the guilty, and protect the people’s money,” he said.

Furthermore, Curlee Discaya earlier claimed that a total of 30 percent commission was given to government officials, with the largest shares allegedly going to former Committee on Appointments chair Rep. Zaldy Co and Romualdez.

Meanwhile, several other lawmakers named by the Discayas have also issued their own statements, denying any involvement in the alleged scheme.