Romualdez: Don’t force me to squeal
MANILA, Philippines — Former speaker Martin Romualdez has issued a warning to the administration of his cousin, President Marcos, urging that the controversy surrounding anomalous flood control projects be handled strictly within legal bounds and not in the “court of public opinion.”
Invoking his long experience in public service, Romualdez suggested he possesses sensitive information that could surface if the issue is politicized.
“I have been in public life long enough. I have seen enough. I have heard enough. I know many things: about this current administration and past administrations as well,” the former House leader said in a video message Tuesday night.
“And I say this carefully: if this matter is to be handled as a legal issue, then let it be handled legally, soberly, and according to evidence. But if certain people insist on waging this in the court of public opinion, then I will have no choice but to defend myself publicly as well,” he added.
Romualdez warned that any attempt to single him out in the flood control controversy would not go unchallenged.
“If this is a political play to push me out and close the story, tarnishing my name and my reputation, then I am telling everyone now: I will not go quietly, and I will not go alone. I will not be the fall guy for other people’s corruption,” he said.
The Leyte lawmaker’s remarks came amid what he described as “disturbing” indications that certain sectors are trying to “weaponize” individuals, including fugitive former lawmaker Zaldy Co, to implicate him in the alleged kickback scheme tied to flood control projects.
Romualdez maintained that accountability should follow institutional processes, stressing that the chamber is a “collegial body.”
“The House is not one person, and it is certainly not the Speaker alone. It is a collegial body made up of hundreds of members, multiple committees, vice chairs, and institutional processes,” he said.
He reiterated that he would fight any accusations publicly if necessary.
“To those who think they can throw me under the bus to save themselves, this is what I say to you: I am ready to defend my name. My silence should not be mistaken for weakness, ignorance, or fear. I know enough to defend myself. And if I am forced to do so in public, I will,” he asserted.
Romualdez also appealed for adherence to due process, cautioning against politicizing the issue.
“Follow the rule of law and due process. This is a serious matter, and it should be handled with seriousness, not with haste, theatrics or shortcuts,” he said.
“If your office truly believes in justice, then follow the sworn statements, follow the records, and follow the evidence all the way. Do not stop where it is politically convenient. Do not settle for the easiest headline. Do not confuse public pressure with prosecutorial duty,” he added.
Amid Romualdez’s public defense, Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson criticized the former speaker for declining to testify before the Senate Blue Ribbon committee on alleged irregularities in the 2025 national budget.
Lacson noted that Romualdez had been invited at least twice—on Nov. 14 and Jan. 19—but failed to attend hearings where he could have presented his side under oath.
“The Blue Ribbon Committee gave the former speaker at least two chances through official invitations to testify under oath and public scrutiny to what may be his strong argument against allegations of masterminding the ‘mangling beyond recognition’ of the 2025 national budget during the bicameral conference, which he now claims to have been made by only two people – then SP (Senate president Francis) Chiz Escudero and ex-Cong and House Appropriations chairman (Elizaldy) Zaldy Co,” Lacson said.
Romualdez, however, has distanced himself from the controversy, saying he was not part of the “small bicam committee” that finalized the national budget and asserting that the questioned flood control projects were implemented by the executive branch.
Lacson, for his part, reiterated his push for transparency in the budget process, including the abolition of the so-called small bicam, which he described as a secretive stage where lawmakers can realign funds.
As political tensions escalate, legal developments have also intensified.
The Sandiganbayan has taken up an application filed by the Office of the Ombudsman seeking a precautionary hold departure order (PHDO) against Romualdez, with the case now submitted for resolution.
Ombudsman prosecutors told the court they found probable cause to charge Romualdez with plunder, direct and indirect bribery, violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and money laundering in connection with the alleged flood control kickback scheme.
They argued that Romualdez poses an “exceptionally high probability of flight,” citing the seriousness of the charges, his access to a diplomatic passport, extensive international connections, and financial capacity to travel.
The application also referenced statements from Co, who allegedly tagged Romualdez as one of the masterminds, as well as claims from other witnesses who said cash deliveries were made to a Makati address linked to the former speaker.
A PHDO, if granted, would direct the Bureau of Immigration to prevent Romualdez from leaving the country while the case is being pursued.
The court, however, clarified that such an order does not determine guilt but only assesses the likelihood of flight.
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla also disclosed that his office is preparing plunder charges against Romualdez and Escudero, with possible filing expected within May, and confirmed that a separate money laundering probe has been endorsed to the Anti-Money Laundering Council.
Romualdez’s camp, for its part, said it has yet to receive any formal complaint from the Office of the Ombudsman. – Marc Jayson Cayabyab, Daphne Galvez, Jose Rodel Clapano
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