Romualdez faces ICI probe, denies kickback claims

National

FORMER House Speaker Ferdinand Martin “Martin” Romualdez has firmly denied allegations that he received kickbacks tied to flood control and other infrastructure projects.

These denials were made before the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI).

The ICI, created under Executive Order 94, is investigating alleged irregularities in projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) over the past decade.

Romualdez attended closed-door hearings and submitted a sworn affidavit clarifying his role in the budget process.

Contractors Sarah and Curlee Discaya had earlier accused Romualdez and several lawmakers of receiving 10 to 25 percent commissions in exchange for awarding flood control projects.

In a report by Philstar, Romualdez dismissed the allegations as “false, malicious and name-dropping,” saying he never asked for, received, or authorized any kickback, and that his name was used without his knowledge or consent.

One of the specific accusations came from Orly Regala Guteza, a former security aide of Ako Bicol Representative Zaldy Co, who claimed that cash-filled suitcases (allegedly P48 million each) were delivered to a Taguig residence associated with Romualdez.

Romualdez countered that the said property was under renovation since January 2024 and unoccupied, arguing the testimony is “fabricated” and politically motivated.

Romualdez reiterated his willingness to cooperate with the ICI’s investigation, including attending further hearings and submitting his Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN).

The ICI has confirmed it will summon other lawmakers mentioned in connection with the claims for questioning. (Victoria Diana, USJR Comm Intern)