Romualdez Steps Down Amid DPWH Flood Control Controversy
JAY KHONGHUN – The Zambales Representative and House Deputy Speaker spoke about House Speaker Martin Romualdez’s decision to resign, emphasizing that it was not made lightly.
According to Khonghun, Romualdez had been considering stepping down for quite some time, especially after his name was linked to the investigation into alleged anomalies in the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) flood control projects.
Khonghun explained that Romualdez was deeply concerned about the growing criticism directed not only at him but at the entire House of Representatives. “Nakikita rin niya na masyado nang tinatamaan ‘yung House, ‘yung institution,” Khonghun said. “Mas magkakaroon siya ng oras na harapin ‘yung mga accusations, mas magkakaroon siya ng panahon para sagutin ‘yung mga intriga. ‘Yun ‘yung isa sa mga dahilan kung bakit pinili niyang magsakripisyo para rin sa institusyon at para sa bansa.”
House Deputy Speaker Ronaldo Puno confirmed that Romualdez officially announced his plan to resign during a meeting with party leaders. Romualdez even recommended Deputy Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III as his replacement. Dy belongs to the same political party as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
According to Puno, Romualdez had been urged for weeks to take a leave of absence instead of resigning. However, Romualdez felt that taking a leave would only raise doubts about his sincerity. “He said that if he only took a leave, people would think he was still holding on to power while trying to avoid the investigations,” Puno shared.
Puno added that Romualdez’s main reason for resigning was to show that he had nothing to hide. Romualdez wanted to clear his name and focus on addressing the allegations while continuing to serve as a congressman.
The controversy began in January with reports of alleged “budget insertions” amounting to ₱241 billion. This led to complaints of graft and falsification of documents being filed before the Ombudsman.
While Romualdez himself has not been directly tied to any contractor, a couple, Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya and Cezarah “Sarah” Discaya, accused several lawmakers of taking kickbacks from infrastructure funds. They also claimed that a 25% cut was supposedly intended for Romualdez and Ako Bicol Representative Elizaldy Co.