Manila, Philippines – While the investigation on flood control anomalies continue, more and more lawmakers were tagged on alleged corruption of publiuc funds.
Among the most recently named is former House Speaker Leyte 1st District Rep. Martin Romualdez, who was accused of receiving kickbacks from infrastructure projects.
During the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing last week, surprise witness Orly Guteza named Romualdez as one of the lawmakers receiving bulks of money from projects.
Guteza introduced himself before the committee as Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co’s security consultant by 2024.
Following the testimony, Romualdez argued that these claims are false.
In his defense, Romualdez said that the claims of delivering money in his residence in December 2024 is false, as the said property was under renovation since the start of last year. Hence, there is no one to receive the said suitcases of money.
Romualdez also condemned what he described as ‘forced testimony’ just to link him with the issues.
He further added that he is willing to undergo an investigation and clear his name.
Following the revelations, Vice President Sara Duterte commented on the matter, saying that she is not surprised that Romualdez is tied with these kinds of allegations.
In a press briefing after OVP’ budget deliberation before the Senate, Duterte noted that Romualdez has a history of being involved in issues of receiving money, citing his alleged links with the illegal gambling issue in Okada Manila Casino.
In a separate statement Duterte emphasized that the new accusations are in lime with previous reports of Romuladez receiving bribes.
Duterte cited Delaware Court’s ruling in Okada Manila Casino case, from which she noted that Romualdez’ name was mentioned 17 times in the decision about suitcases of money he allegedly received.
Duterte further revealed that there are enough sources to prove these allegations against Romualdez, but are discouraged to go out due to fear.
She added that these sources are from Romualdez’ office himself.
Moreover, Duterte once again jabbed at President Ferdinand Marcos Jr,’ leadership, especially when he placed Romualdez as the House Speaker.
On the other hand, Romualdez firmly denied these new accusations from Duterte over illegal gambling ties.
Romualdez said that he did not receive any money from illegal gambling, noting that he was not even an accused, nor investigated in the Okada case.
The lawmaker also criticized the Vice PResident in spreading lie against him, when she herself was impeached by the House over alleged fund misuse.
He further dared those linking him to the accusations to provide real and concrete evidence.—Mia Layaguin, Eurotv News