In a significant development, key lawmakers have welcomed the declaration by Senator Panfilo Lacson that there is no evidence linking former House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez to the ongoing flood control controversy. The statement, which underscores the primacy of due process, was made on Monday, January 12, 2026.
Due Process Over Political Noise
Lanao del Sur 1st District Representative Zia Alonto Adiong strongly endorsed Lacson's position, describing it as a timely reminder that official inquiries must be rooted in facts. Adiong emphasized that allegations require solid evidence, including affidavits and documentation, before any individual's reputation is tarnished.
"This reinforces what should be obvious in any serious inquiry — without factual evidence, sworn statements, and documents, there is nothing to pursue," Adiong stated. He further urged critics to cease what he called "political noise and pressure tactics," asserting that investigations are not a trial by rumor.
Lacson's Clarification on the Senate Probe
Senator Lacson, who chairs the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee and serves as Senate President Pro Tempore, clarified the committee's stance during a radio interview. He confirmed that while Romualdez's name had surfaced in connection with the issue, no firm proof has been presented to justify further action by the panel.
Lacson pointed out that no witness has directly implicated the former Speaker, except for an individual named Orly Guteza. However, Guteza's testimony remains unsubstantiated as he failed to appear before the Department of Justice, the Ombudsman, or the Independent Commission for Infrastructure to affirm his claims under oath.
"When a witness disappears and no sworn affirmation follows, you cannot manufacture a case," Adiong commented, aligning with Lacson's assessment. "Public officials deserve the same fairness expected of any citizen."
Broad Support from House Deputy Speakers
The sentiment was echoed by other leaders in the House of Representatives. Deputy Speaker Ronaldo Puno also welcomed Lacson's statement, stressing that accountability must always be grounded in facts and due process. He called for investigations to proceed objectively, free from partisan motives.
Similarly, Deputy Speaker Paolo Ortega V of La Union urged critics to halt political pressure in light of the lack of evidence. "Senator Lacson was clear: the Senate can only follow where the evidence leads. If there is no evidence, there should be no political pressure, no manufactured outrage, and no trial by publicity," Ortega stated.
Both deputy speakers argued that persistent attacks without proof only serve to undermine public trust and distract from genuine efforts towards reform and accountability.
Adiong also backed Lacson's rejection of claims that the investigation was obstructed by Malacañang or by the senator himself, citing Lacson's established reputation for independence. "The Senate chair was clear: there was no pressure, and even if there were, it would not work. That should put to rest the conspiracy theories," Adiong concluded.
The collective call from these lawmakers is for a return to sober, evidence-based discourse, allowing proper institutions to function without interference from what they describe as political theater.
