Navotas City's lone district Representative, Toby Tiangco, has pointed to former House Speaker Martin Romualdez as the official with direct command responsibility concerning the controversial insertions in the Department of Public Works and Highways' flood control projects. These alleged irregularities are connected to former Ako-Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co.
Command Responsibility Lies with Former Speaker
In a recent radio interview, Tiangco clarified his position, stating he is not taking sides but merely presenting the facts as he understands them. "I am not siding with or defending anyone; I am stating what truly happened," Tiangco emphasized. He directly linked the issue to Romualdez's oversight, arguing that the situation would not have occurred without the former Speaker's allowance.
"All of these would not have happened if the Speaker had not allowed it. The direct command responsibility over Zaldy lies with Martin," Tiangco stated in a mix of English and Filipino. He reiterated that this chain of command was the reason President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reportedly confronted and reprimanded both Romualdez and Co over the transfer of unprogrammed funds to projects they allegedly approved.
Calls for Intensified Pursuit of Zaldy Co
Beyond assigning responsibility, Tiangco urged the government to ramp up its efforts to bring Zaldy Co back to the Philippines to face justice. He noted public disappointment that no major figures have been apprehended in the case, despite an existing warrant for Co's arrest.
Tiangco suggested a more proactive approach, including possibly deploying a team to Portugal. "I feel the effort there is lacking," he commented, proposing that authorities should engage with the local Filipino community and coordinate with Portuguese law enforcement to track Co down. He believes more diligent pursuit would yield a higher chance of success.
Ombudsman Handles Probe, ICI Bill Awaits Passage
The lawmaker confirmed that the investigation into the alleged anomalies in the flood control projects is now under the jurisdiction of the Office of the Ombudsman. However, he expressed concern that the agency might be operating without sufficient support.
Tiangco highlighted the role of the proposed Interim Congressional Inquiry (ICI) bill, which he authored. He hopes it will be passed once Congress resumes its session to strengthen the commission's mandate and provide much-needed investigative muscle. "Everything is now resting on the Ombudsman. Since the ICI lacks personnel, they have no assistance... But I hope that when Congress reconvenes, the ICI bill will be passed," he concluded.
