After 'fall guy' claim, Lacson points to Romualdez's hearing no-shows
MANILA, Philippines — Former Speaker Martin Romualdez should have used the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearings to refute allegations linking him to the “mangling” of the 2025 national budget, Senate President Pro Tempore Ping Lacson said Wednesday, April 22.
Lacson, who chairs the panel, said it had given Romualdez the public forum to answer the claims under oath, both of which the Leyte lawmaker missed out on.
“The Blue Ribbon Committee gave the former speaker at least two chances through official invitations to testify under oath and public scrutiny to what may be his strong argument against allegations of masterminding the ‘mangling beyond recognition’ of the 2025 national budget during the bicameral conference, which he now claims to have been made by only two people,” Lacson said in a post on X.
Lacson was referring to Romualdez’s video statement Tuesday, where the Leyte lawmaker denied being the mastermind of an alleged flood control corruption scheme.
Romualdez claimed he was not part of the bicameral conference committee or the so-called “small committee” that made changes to the General Appropriations Bill—which would become the national budget—after it was approved by both chambers of Congress.
Romualdez named then Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero and former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co as the two people “instrumental” in budget decisions.
According to Lacson, the Blue Ribbon Committee sent invitations to Romualdez through the office of Speaker Bodjie Dy III in keeping with inter-parliamentary courtesy. Romualdez did not attend the hearings on November 14 and January 19.
Denials. In his video statement Tuesday night, April 21, Romualdez said he chose to remain silent for months out of respect for the legal process, but said his silence had been “abused and weaponized” against him.
“I will not allow myself to be turned into the scapegoat so that others who are actually accountable can walk away clean,” Romualdez said.
“If this is a political play to push me out and close the story, tarnishing my name and my reputation, then I'm telling everyone now, I will not go quietly and I will not go alone. I will not be the fall guy for other people's corruption,” he added.
Romualdez said he had cooperated with authorities, submitted an affidavit to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure and was authorizing its public release along with supporting information.
Probe widens. The exchange comes as the Office of the Ombudsman has asked the Sandiganbayan to issue a precautionary hold departure order to prevent Romualdez from traveling overseas.
Romualdez, first cousin to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, is facing investigation over allegations of plunder, bribery, graft and money laundering linked to flood control projects.
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