Romualdez: Escudero’s speech a ‘DDS script’
It was not an exposé but a script similar to that used by Duterte Diehard Supporters (DDS) and trolls on social media.
This was what Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez said about Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero’s speech at the Senate on Monday where the latter alleged that he was behind the ploy to divert public anger over the flood control mess to senators.
“I listened to the privilege speech of Sen. Chiz Escudero. With respect, what we heard was not an exposé but a DDS script—the same recycled accusations we have long seen on troll pages and social media posts. Nothing new and no truth either,” the former Speaker said in a statement released shortly after Escudero’s speech.
“Instead of answering the serious questions he himself must face, Senator Escudero chose to deflect. He did not deny the allegations against him. He did not explain his own role in flood-control kickbacks. Instead of explaining, he just pointed fingers,” Romualdez added.
‘Personal interest’
Romualdez, who stepped down as speaker on Sept. 17, said Escudero’s speech was not meant for the pursuit of accountability, but to “profess loyalty and service” to Vice President Sara Duterte.
“The truth is clear: Senator Escudero’s speech is not about accountability, but to push for his personal ambition,” he said.
“It was a performance designed to profess loyalty and service to Vice President Sara Duterte, and to position himself as her ally for 2028. His true line of service is not for the truth, but for a personal interest and political plans,” he added.
Escudero accused Romualdez of orchestrating a “sarswela”—a local theater and opera show that evolved from the Spanish zarzuela—to distract the public.
Cooperation
Romualdez, meanwhile, assured the public that he will cooperate with investigations.
“For my part, I will continue to cooperate with every impartial investigation. My record can withstand scrutiny. I don’t have anything to hide. As for Senator Escudero, kung tunay na pananagutan ang hanap, sa presinto na siya magpaliwanag (if he is seeking real accountability, he should explain in the proper forum),” he said.
In his fourth State of the Nation Address, President Marcos condemned government officials and contractors who allegedly earned kickbacks at the expense of people suffering from heavy flooding even during mild rain showers. This led to congressional investigations and the creation of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure to probe alleged corruption in flood control projects.
Romualdez has not been linked to any of the top companies that cornered big-ticket projects. He denied allegations that he received kickbacks, calling them “false” and “pure fiction.”
