Palace Asked about Possibility of Cong. Martin Romualdez Becoming A State Witness
MARTIN ROMUALDEZ – Malacañang was asked if the former House Speaker can become a state witness in the flood control issue in the Philippines.
Several officials of the government were tagged in the flood control mess in the country. Both the Senate and the House of Representatives had a change of leadership after accusations and speculations surrounded both Senator Chiz Escudero and former House Speaker Romualdez.
Aside from the issue over the P30-million campaign donation that he received from a contractor, Senator Chiz Escudero is also accused of allegedly receiving a P160-million kickback from the flood control projects. The accusation was made by former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) undersecretary Roberto Bernardo.
In the case of presidential cousin and Leyte Cong. Martin Romualdez, it was controversial contractors Curlee and Sarah Discaya who first tagged him in the supposed multi-billion flood control scam. His name was mentioned by the couple during a Senate flood probe.
Romualdez denied the accusation as he asserted that he is “self-made”. His camp also pointed out that Mr. Discaya admitted during a House flood probe that he never had a direct transaction with the former House Speaker.
However, aside from the Discayas, other resource persons also pinned down former House Speaker Martin Romualdez even after he has resigned from the House leadership. He claimed that he stepped down from being the House speaker so the Independent Commission for Infrastructure or ICI can fully and freely conduct their mandate.
The ICI was formed under the order of Pres. Bongbong Marcos. The Chief Executive previously claimed that even his cousin, former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, as well as his allies will not be spared from the flood control probe. The ICI invited Romualdez to a hearing and he came.
Recently, during a press conference, Malacañang press officer undersecretary Claire Castro was asked about the possibility that former House Speaker Martin Romualdez will become a state witness. Based on a post of News5, she stressed that it depends on the Department of Justice (DOJ).
The Malacañang press official claimed that it still cannot be said if former House Speaker Martin Romualdez will be admitted as a state witness by the DOJ or not. Based on the post, she stressed that it still depends on what will happen.
“Lahat po ‘yan ay depende sa lahat ng mangyayari. So, hindi pa po natin masasabi kung siya ay pupuwedeng maging state witness o hindi,” Castro expressed.
The Senate continued its Senate flood control probe despite the creation of the ICI. Previously, Senate President Tito Sotto spoke on the possibility of inviting former House Speaker Martin Romualdez to the Senate investigation.