Speaker or not, Romualdez won’t be spared if tied to infra mess

By Darryl John Esguerra, Philippine News Agency

“Mag-resign o hindi siya mag-resign, maaari pa rin siyang maimbestigahan (Whether he resigns or not, he can still be investigated),” Castro said. (File Photo: House of Representatives of the Philippines/Facebook)

MANILA – House Speaker Martin Romualdez will not be spared from accountability if evidence links him to anomalies in flood control projects, Malacañang said Wednesday, stressing that resignation or a change in congressional leadership will not shield him from investigation.

Palace Press Officer and Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro made the statement amid rumblings in the House of Representatives about a possible change in leadership, fueled in part by Romualdez’s name being mentioned in connection with the infrastructure mess.

“Mag-resign o hindi siya mag-resign, maaari pa rin siyang maimbestigahan (Whether he resigns or not, he can still be investigated),” Castro said.

She added that if Romualdez does step down, it would be acceptable if his reason is to preserve the integrity of Congress and allow an open probe.

“At kung masasangkot man ang kaniyang pangalan at may mapapakitang ebidensiya laban sa kaniya, mas magandang ito ay kaniyang depensahan sa pamamagitan ng mga records na maaari niyang ipakita (And if his name is dragged and there is evidence against him, it is best that he defends himself through records he can present),” she said.

Castro confirmed that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. met with Romualdez, his cousin, in Malacañang on Tuesday evening. However, she did not provide further details of their meeting, which came amid rumors of possible House leadership change.

ICI begins work

The Palace official also said President Marcos wants immediate results from the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), which already began work Tuesday after convening at the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) office.

The ICI, chaired by retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Andres Reyes Jr., includes former DPWH Secretary Rogelio “Babes” Singson and SGV & Co. Country Managing Partner Rossana Fajardo as members. The body has also started organizing its structure and is set to inspect its new office this week.

Marcos created the commission with sweeping powers to investigate, subpoena, and recommend prosecution in corruption-tainted infrastructure programs.

Meanwhile, Castro reported that the “Sumbong sa Pangulo” website has received more than 16,000 complaints since its launch.

She said the complaints will be endorsed to the ICI for evaluation and possible action.