Tiangco: Flood anomalies, insertions did in Romualdez

MANILA, Philippines — The flood control project controversy and questionable insertions in the 2025 budget fueled the ouster of former House speaker Martin Romualdez, Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco said.

In an interview with The STAR’s “Truth on the Line” on Thursday, Tiangco said unrest in the House of Representatives started even before President Marcos delivered his State of the Nation Address last July 28, but the leadership crisis worsened when anomalies in flood control projects came to light.

“People saw the need for a change in leadership,” he said.

Tiangco recalled that concerns first arose during the bicameral conference on the 2025 national budget, when lawmakers questioned cuts in allocations for health, education and big-ticket infrastructure projects.

These were later shifted to unprogrammed appropriations and insertions that raised red flags.

He cited P13.8 billion worth of projects linked to then-appropriations chair Rep. Zaldy Co, which were allegedly funneled into districts that already had huge allocations.

“Some congressmen told me they never requested those projects. They were surprised to find them there,” Tiangco said.

The lawmaker stressed that the questionable allocations, later confirmed through inspections by the President, eroded trust in the House leadership.

“Outside, people were angry. Inside, congressmen felt the pressure. Eventually, members had to decide,” he added.

Tiangco also revealed that he declined being considered for the speakership out of delicadeza, saying it would be improper after he openly criticized the flood control anomalies.

“I didn’t want people to think I exposed this just to get the position,” he said.

He also expressed support for Speaker Bodjie Dy’s call for transparency and reforms in the budget process, saying the system must ensure projects are legitimate and beneficial to constituents.

“It’s not wrong for congressmen to seek projects for their districts,” he said. “What’s important is there should be no irregularities in those projects.”

Meanwhile, former Surigao del Norte congressman Robert Ace Barbers lauded Romualdez for stepping down as speaker, saying this was meant to protect the integrity and stability of the House and give the Independent Commission for Infrastructure a free hand to ferret out the truth on the alleged anomalies on government infrastructure projects.

“This is only a proof that he is no kapit-tuko in his position and he is ready to sacrifice to save the House of Representatives from losing respect and its integrity as an institution, including its members,” Barbers said in a statement.

A few days before Romualdez decided to step down, senior leaders of various political parties at the House came to his office and urged him to stay despite the undue pressure from political detractors, Barbers said.

“All of those present in that meeting were concerned over who would replace him, somebody who has the same stature that he has who could unify the majority of the members of the chamber,” Barbers said.

Tiangco in 2028

Meanwhile, Tiangco said he is weighing whether to continue his political career and seek higher office in 2028 or leave politics altogether to focus on starting a business.

Tiangco revealed that he completed an executive program at Harvard Business School last year to prepare for a possible transition to private enterprise.

“I was preparing for life after politics,” he said. “In 2028, I’ll be 60 years old. If at 60 I continue being a politician, it might be too late for me to try something new. So, it’s a very, very difficult decision for me now. But I’ve been seriously thinking about it.”

Tiangco, who has served multiple terms in Congress, declined to comment on any specific position he may aspire for in the 2028 elections. — Jose Rodel Clapano

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