President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said multiple cases against former House Speaker Martin Romualdez in connection with alleged flood control irregularities are nearing filing before the Office of the Ombudsman, saying his administration’s anti-corruption drive would not exempt even members of his own family.
In his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday at the Batasang Pambansa Complex, Marcos said the complaints against Romualdez stemmed from the government’s investigation into alleged anomalies involving public infrastructure projects.
“Malapit na ang paghahain ng patung-patong na kaso laban sa dating speaker. Masakit man sa akin ito pero kailangan nating gawin ang tama,” Marcos said.
Romualdez, a cousin of the President, served as House Speaker before stepping down from the position in 2024.
Marcos stressed that his responsibility as President is to the Filipino people and not to personal relationships.
“Hindi ako Pangulo ng aking pamilya… Ako ay Pangulo ng Pilipinas at ang tungkulin ko ay sa inyo, mga kapwa ko Pilipino,” he said.
The President said the government conducted a broad investigation into alleged flood control project irregularities and followed the evidence regardless of the individuals involved.
“Gaya ng aking ipinangako sa inyo, nagsagawa tayo ng malawakan at malalimang imbestigasyon, na walang pagkiling kahit kanino man,” Marcos said.
He added that authorities examined the evidence and pursued leads to determine those responsible for alleged misuse of public funds.
Marcos said the investigation has already resulted in the filing of cases and arrests involving contractors, senior officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and lawmakers.
He also said the government has taken steps to recover public funds and stop further payments for projects found to be defective, fictitious, or non-existent.
“Halos dalawampu’t limang bilyong piso ang halaga ng mga nabawi, ‘frozen,’ at na-preserbang mga pera at ari-arian ng mga akusado. Ang mahigit walong daang milyong piso dito ay agad nating ibinalik sa Treasury,” he said.
The President said all recovered assets would be returned to the government.
He added that the next steps in prosecuting the cases are now with the Office of the Ombudsman and the strengthened National Prosecution Service.
Meanwhile, Romualdez said he respected Marcos’ statement and would allow the legal process to take its course.
In a statement, the former House leader acknowledged the impact of the controversy on his family but said he accepted the President’s position.
“Masakit man ito sa aming pamilya, iginagalang ko ang naging pahayag ng Pangulo. Hindi ako kailanman humingi ng pabor o espesyal na pagtrato,” Romualdez said.
He said he agreed that the proper course of action is to follow the legal process and allow evidence to determine the outcome.
“Sang-ayon ako na gawin natin ang tama. Ang tama ay ang sumunod sa proseso at hayaan ang ebidensya ang magsalita,” he added.
Romualdez maintained that he did not commit any wrongdoing and said he was prepared to defend himself.
“Naninindigan akong wala akong ginawang anumang labag sa batas. At handa akong patunayan ito,” he said.
Photo courtesy of POLITIKO
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