President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. dismissed claims that the arrest of his cousin and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez was political “drama,” saying critics were using the issue to attack him and his administration.
Speaking to reporters Sunday after attending the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, India, Marcos said comments portraying Romualdez’s arrest as staged or involving special treatment were not genuine assessments of the judicial proceedings.
Marcos said critics were simply looking for statements they could use to undermine his administration.
“It’s kind of may masabi, kailangan may masabi para insultuhin ka o to put you down, or sabihin mali ‘yung ginagawa mo (It’s kind of, they just need to have something to say to insult you or put you down, or say that what you’re doing is wrong),” Marcos said.
He added that the criticism was intended to portray him negatively rather than address the actual court proceedings.
“Basta ang sasabihin basically pinapatunay nila na wala kang kwentang tao (Basically, what they’re saying is to prove that you are a worthless person),” he said.
Marcos said the remarks should not be interpreted as commentary on how authorities and courts are handling Romualdez’s case.
“So they have to say that. So that’s what they’re saying. They’re not commenting about. That’s not a comment on the procedures of court. It’s just another attack. We get them a lot,” he said.
Romualdez is facing legal proceedings over allegations connected to the government’s investigation into the multibillion-peso flood control scandal.
The former House speaker was arrested on a warrant issued in connection with the case and has remained subject to court proceedings.
Marcos has maintained that those responsible for wrongdoing must be held accountable regardless of their personal or political ties.
At the same time, the President has stressed that individuals facing allegations must be afforded due process as their cases proceed through the legal system.
The Romualdez case has drawn political attention because of his family relationship with Marcos and his former position as House speaker, with critics questioning whether he received or could receive preferential treatment.
Malacañang has rejected claims of special treatment, maintaining that the case should be handled according to evidence and applicable law.
Photo courtesy of Vera Files
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