MANILA — The much-anticipated return of former Speaker Martin Romualdez before the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) will have to wait, as the panel announced the postponement of his hearing originally scheduled for October 22, citing his request for deferment due to a medical procedure.
In an advisory issued over the weekend, the ICI confirmed that Romualdez “has requested to postpone the hearing originally set for October 22, 2025, as he is scheduled to undergo a medical procedure.” The commission added that “a new date for the proceeding will be released once finalized.”
ICI Executive Director Brian Keith Hosaka said the former House leader was supposed to make his second appearance before the body, which is investigating alleged irregularities in flood control projects. Romualdez previously attended a closed-door session at the ICI office in Taguig after being summoned to answer questions regarding his possible involvement.
Hosaka said Romualdez’s affidavit did not name specific individuals tied to the corruption allegations but mentioned some lawmakers involved in national budget preparation. He also clarified that the former Speaker “denied receiving kickbacks from the flood control projects.”
While the ICI intends to summon the lawmakers referred to by Romualdez, Hosaka noted that the move remains subject to the commission’s deliberation.
During his earlier testimony, Romualdez—one of several legislators subpoenaed by the ICI—asserted that he “has nothing to hide.” He expressed willingness to make public his Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) and to attend future hearings once physically able.
Romualdez has consistently denied any involvement in kickbacks or commissions from public works projects. His name surfaced after contractors Curlee and Sarah Discaya accused certain lawmakers of benefiting from flood control allocations in a Senate inquiry.
He likewise dismissed allegations from Orly Regala Guteza, a self-described former security consultant of resigned Ako Bicol Representative Zaldy Co, who similarly linked him to the controversy.
The ICI has yet to announce when the rescheduled hearing will take place./PN
