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Romualdez denies kickback allegations in ICI hearing
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Romualdez denies kickback allegations in ICI hearing

Facing the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) on Tuesday, former Speaker Martin Romualdez denied allegations that he received kickbacks in exchange for infrastructure projects.

This was disclosed by ICI Executive Director Brian Hosaka following the conclusion of Romualdez’s first appearance in the ICI’s closed-door hearings.

According to Hosaka, ICI commissioners asked Romualdez about allegations against him, particularly how he allegedly had money delivered to him in exchange for infrastructure deals.

“He was asked, and he denied [it],” said Hosaka.

The claim was made during the Senate blue ribbon committee hearing on Sept. 25, where Sen. Rodante Marcoleta presented former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co’s security consultant Orly Guteza as a surprise witness.

Guteza testified that he personally delivered pieces of luggage filled with money to the residences of Co and Romualdez.

The next day, then blue ribbon chair Sen. Panfilo Lacson said that a full background check was necessary on Marcoleta’s witness due to the gravity of his allegations as well as doubts caused by information that the notarial details of Guteza’s affidavit were falsified.

“Without the courtesy of notice even to the committee chairman, a totally surprise witness [was presented] in yesterday’s Blue Ribbon hearing, a complete record check and background investigation on Orly Regala Guteza is in order owing to the gravity and seriousness of his testimony yesterday,” Lacson said in a post on X.

Lawmakers’ role

Hosaka said ICI commissioners also tried to get information from Romualdez as to how the flood control corruption scandal happened.

“Of course, we are looking into what really happened and him being the Speaker, the leader of the House at that time, will be able to provide us with important information,” Hosaka said in a mix of English and Filipino.

“As far as [Romualdez’s] role is concerned or possible liability or accountability, that is up to the commission to decide,” he added.

Hosaka explained that the information provided by Romualdez during the hearing was “helpful” as he was able to clarify his and his colleagues’ role in the national budget process.

Hosaka said the ICI will invite Romualdez back to its hearings, along with other lawmakers involved in the crafting of the national budget, to follow up on the information the Leyte lawmaker provided during Tuesday’s hearing and an affidavit he voluntarily submitted to the probe body.

“That’s why what the commission did was invite him back so that questions could be asked regarding that affidavit—so he will return again next week,” he said.

“So these people will be invited soon to shed light on their participation in the budget preparation which [is relevant] to the anomalous flood control projects,” he noted.

Hosaka, however, declined to name the lawmakers to be invited by the ICI.

The official said the commission is also studying its next move regarding Co, who was subpoenaed but did not attend the hearing.

“We will think about that, and it is something that we will have to study,” said Hosaka.

Co’s current whereabouts remain unclear but the former lawmaker said last July that he was seeking medical treatment in the United States for an undisclosed condition.

Romualdez said he believes any resource person, including Co, invited by the ICI should heed its summons and return to the country.

State witness

This is Romualdez’s first time to attend a hearing of the ICI, the independent investigative body looking not only at corruption in flood control projects but also in all national government infrastructure works over the past 10 years.

Romualdez was invited by the commission to “discuss his familiarity and personal knowledge as Speaker of the House relative to the National Budget insertions, and as well as the DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways) flood control projects.”

See Also

Upon his arrival at the ICI headquarters in Taguig City, Romualdez vowed to share all that he knows.

“I am ready to feed my personal knowledge on the budget process and while not a member of the bicameral conference committee, I will share all information to help determine the truth and to give all the facts and information,” he said.

“I will be here to help in any way to speed up the resolution of the fact-finding investigation for ICI,” he added.

Romualdez thanked the ICI for the “opportunity to share his side of the story” and reiterated his commitment to support the body in its investigation.

“It seems that right now, it’s about facts and evidence, not just political noise or speculations,” Romualdez said partly in Filipino.

“That’s why, the ICI commissioners were able to ask me many questions, and I was able to answer them. I feel very, very happy to share the information,” he noted.

Romualdez said he is also willing to publicize his statement of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN) should the ICI need it.

Asked if it was possible for Romualdez to become a state witness on the cases involving the flood control mess, Malacañang deferred to the incoming secretary of the Department of Justice (DOJ).

“It will depend on his testimony and what information he will disclose. It will also be up to the DOJ to determine whether he can qualify as a state witness, subject to the court’s recommendation,” Palace press officer Claire Castro said in a briefing on Tuesday.

As of Tuesday, President Marcos has yet to appoint a justice secretary to replace Jesus Crispin Remulla, who assumed office as the new Ombudsman. —WITH A REPORT FROM DEXTER CABALZA

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