Philippine House Speaker denies kickback allegations; investigation ongoing into 43 contractors for campaign donations.

Speaker Martin Romualdez and 17 other House lawmakers are denying allegations of demanding kickbacks from construction projects, as accused by contractors Sarah and Pacifico "Curlee" Discaya. The Discayas claim they were pressured to pay up to 25% of project costs to officials, including Romualdez, to secure contracts. The Commission on Elections is also investigating 43 contractors for campaign donations made in 2022, with potential imprisonment for those found guilty of illegally contributing funds to candidates.