San Jose del Monte City Mayor Florida “Rida” Robes on Monday, September 8, categorically denied the allegations made by contractor Curlee Discaya linking her to supposed irregularities in flood control projects.
Robes branded the claims as “false and absurd,” saying she has never received money or favors from the Discayas.
In a statement, Robes recalled her only encounter with the Discaya couple nearly two decades ago during a social gathering.
“Beyond that occasion, I have never had any personal, professional, or financial dealings with either of them,” she said.
She also pointed out that Discaya could not even pronounce her surname correctly in his affidavit, which to her underscored the baselessness of his accusations.
The mayor stressed she has never interfered or intervened in the implementation of flood control projects, nor has she inserted budgets for such initiatives.
She explained that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and other national agencies are solely responsible for the projects in her district.
Robes also asserted that she was among the first lawmakers to raise concerns on questionable flood control projects directly to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., even before the issue became public.
“If I were truly involved in the irregularities alleged by the Discayas, would I have been so senseless as to raise the matter directly to the Chief Executive? The answer is obvious,” she said.
The mayor highlighted that San Jose del Monte continues to benefit from “modern, quality infrastructure” and has no record of ghost projects.
She also dismissed as malicious any suggestion that her city’s development has been tainted by corruption.
Robes said she is consulting her legal team and preparing to file appropriate cases against Discaya.
“I will not allow my name to be tarnished by falsehoods, nor will I tolerate anyone using my name without my knowledge or consent to misrepresent themselves before contractors,” she said.
