MANILA – The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) on Tuesday rejected claims it is protecting former House Speaker Martin Romualdez from liability in the widening controversy over alleged kickbacks in government flood control projects.
ICI executive director Brian Hosaka said the commission has not spared Romualdez from scrutiny, even though its submission to the Office of the Ombudsman did not state any conclusion on his culpability.
“Wala pong ganoon. Hindi po ganoon ang nangyayari dito. Kaya nga po kami nagsumite ng mga dokumento at ebidensya sa Ombudsman para matulungan sila sa kanilang pag-iimbestiga with regard to this matter against former Speaker Romualdez,” Hosaka said in a radio interview.
His statements came after public speculation that the commission’s handling of the probe has been too lenient on the former Speaker.
The ICI earlier forwarded its report to the Ombudsman “for further investigation,” stressing that the document contained no finding of guilt on Romualdez.
The commission has also drawn criticism for refusing to release transcripts or details of Romualdez’s appearance before its panel, fueling more questions about transparency.
Last week, reports indicated that both the ICI and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) had recommended charges — including plunder and graft — against Romualdez and former Ako Bicol party-list representative Zaldy Co.
Hosaka said the commission continues to gather evidence that may aid investigators, adding: “Mas mabuti nga po na naibigay namin ‘yung mga dokumento at ebidensya para kumpleto po ‘yung pag-aaral ng Office of the Ombudsman.”
“Kasi po nakikita namin na baka ito ay makatulong sa kanilang imbestigasyon,” he continued.
Romualdez’s name was earlier dragged into the controversy after a witness before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, former security aide Orly Guteza, alleged he personally delivered suitcases containing billions of pesos to the homes of Romualdez and Co.
Romualdez has denied the accusations./PN
