Former House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez made a bold declaration on Tuesday, stating emphatically that he will not allow himself to be used as a scapegoat in the ongoing flood control controversy. Breaking weeks of silence, Romualdez moved to open his records to the public and challenged investigators to pursue the full chain of accountability in the case.
A Defiant Stand Against Allegations
"I will not be a scapegoat for actions I did not commit," Romualdez asserted in a public statement. "The truth is not afraid of scrutiny—and neither am I." In a decisive and transparent move, he authorized the public release of his sworn affidavit and all supporting documents, emphasizing that Filipinos deserve to see the facts firsthand rather than relying on speculation.
Full Cooperation and Transparency
Romualdez highlighted that he has fully cooperated with authorities from the very beginning of the investigation. This cooperation included:
- Appearing voluntarily before investigators
- Submitting requested documents without hesitation
- Maintaining open communication with relevant agencies
"I have nothing to hide," he declared. "Let the Filipino people judge the truth based on evidence—not on speculation or politics."
Rejecting Corruption Claims
The former Speaker firmly rejected allegations that he orchestrated any corruption scheme, calling such claims "absurd" and completely detached from how government actually functions. He explained that the national budget process involves multiple branches of government working together through constitutional procedures.
The Budget Process Explained
Romualdez stressed several key points about government operations:
- The House of Representatives operates as a collegial body where decisions are made collectively, not through unilateral action
- There is a clear distinction between legislation (appropriating funds) and execution (implementing projects)
- While Congress appropriates funds, implementation—including procurement, project execution, and disbursement—is carried out by the Executive branch through agencies like the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)
"If irregularities occurred," Romualdez emphasized, "accountability must follow the entire chain—not be selectively assigned to convenient targets."
Opening Projects to Public Verification
To counter the allegations against him, Romualdez announced he is prepared to open all projects in his district for public verification. He asserted that any claim of systemic corruption should be supported by concrete facts on the ground, not by political narratives.
"If I were involved in any wrongdoing, it would reflect in the projects associated with me," he stated. "I am ready for full scrutiny of every project, every document, and every decision."
A Call for Objective Investigation
Addressing the Office of the Ombudsman directly, Romualdez urged investigators to remain objective and resist any political pressure that might influence their work. "Follow the evidence wherever it leads," he advised. "Justice demands fairness, not convenience."
Facing Allegations Head-On
Romualdez reiterated his commitment to answering all allegations through the proper legal process. He expressed confidence that the truth would vindicate him and emphasized his willingness to participate fully in any legitimate investigation.
"I will face this head-on," Romualdez concluded. "I have nothing to fear from the truth, and I trust that the Filipino people will recognize facts over fiction when all the evidence is presented."
