Senator Ejercito Calls on Former House Speaker Romualdez to Attend Senate Blue Ribbon Hearing
Senator JV Ejercito has issued a public call for former House Speaker and Leyte Representative Martin Romualdez to appear before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee. This demand comes as Romualdez's name resurfaced in an ongoing investigation into alleged anomalies related to flood control projects across the Philippines.
Allegations and Denials in the Flood Control Project Probe
The controversy intensified following testimonies from two women, identified under the aliases Maria and Joy. They claimed that contractor Curlee Discaya alleged Romualdez purchased a house located at No. 10 Tamarind Street, South Forbes Park, Makati City, which was being rented by their employer. In response, Romualdez has vehemently denied these allegations and any connection to Discaya, labeling the claims as baseless.
Bipartisan Support for Due Process
Senator Risa Hontiveros has expressed support for Ejercito's appeal, emphasizing the importance of hearing Romualdez's side as a fundamental aspect of due process. This bipartisan stance underscores the committee's commitment to a fair and transparent investigation, ensuring all parties involved have an opportunity to present their cases.
Focus on Broader Accountability and Systemic Reforms
Ejercito highlighted that the investigation should not be sidetracked by focusing solely on high-profile names. He pointed out the connection to former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co, who chaired the House appropriations committee during Romualdez's tenure as Speaker. The senator stressed the need to uncover the alleged modus operandi involving former DPWH officials and contractors, aiming to hold all responsible parties accountable.
Furthermore, Ejercito reiterated that the official report of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee should guide the proceedings. The ultimate goal is to identify liabilities and implement reforms to prevent similar anomalies in the future, safeguarding public funds and infrastructure projects.
