Former House Speaker Martin Romualdez Appears at ICI Flood Probe
MARTIN ROMUALDEZ – The former House Speaker denied accepting suitcases filled with millions of cash according to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI).
Several congressmen are accused of allegedly receiving kickback from the flood control projects funded by the government. Romualdez, a cousin of President Bongbong Marcos, is one of them. He was first tagged by controversial contractors Curlee and Sarah Discaya on the supposed multi-billion flood control scam.
According to the Discayas, they allegedly had no choice but to ride with the supposed “system”. They accused former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, resigned Ako Bicol Partylist Representative Zaldy Co, Quezon City Cong. Arjo Atayde, Marikina Cong. Marcy Teodoro, and Pasig Cong. Roman Romulo of allegedly receiving kickback from the flood control projects.
Then-House Speaker Martin Romualdez denied the accusation of the Discaya couple asserting that he is “self-made”. Not long after his name was tagged in the flood control mess, he stepped down from the House speakership. According to him, he wants the Independent Commission for Infrastructure or ICI to be able to fully exercise their mandate without undue influence.
However, aside from the Discayas, a former marine who claimed to be a former staff of Zaldy Co appeared at a Senate flood probe threw accusations against Romualdez and Co. According to Orly Guteza, he was allegedly part of the team who delivered suitcases filled with millions of cash to the former House Speaker and the resigned Ako Bicol Partylist Representative.
Recently, former House Speaker Martin Romualdez appeared at the ICI flood probe. According to him, he will help in any way possible to speed up the resolution of the issue. It was a closed-door hearing set by the independent investigating team that Pres. Bongbong Marcos ordered to be formed amid the flood control mess in the cuntry.
Based on a report on PhilStar, Romualdez stressed that he is ready to give his personal knowledge regarding the budget process. He stressed that he will cooperate fully and “help uncover the truth”. He also asserted that he is not hiding anything.
According to the ICI, Leyte Cong. Martin Romualdez was asked about the accusation against him that suitcases filled with cash were allegedly delivered to his residence. ICI Executive Director Atty. Brian Hosaka said the former House Speaker denied the allegation. He is expected to return to ICI next week to testify before the Commission.
Amid his appearance at the ICC flood probe, Malacañang was asked about the possibility of former House Speaker Martin Romualdez becoming a state witness.