Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero on Monday directly accused former House Speaker Martin Romualdez of being the central figure behind the flood control corruption controversy that has rocked both chambers of Congress.
“Iisang tao lamang ang nasa likod ng script at sarswelang ito. Siya ang dahilan ng kaguluhan, pag-aaway, pagkakawatak-watak na ngayo’y yumayanig sa ating bayan maprotektahan lamang ang sarili niya,” Escudero said in a fiery privilege speech. He then presented a video of protesters chanting “Martin, Martin magnanakaw.”
Escudero lamented that despite testimonies from contractors and provisionally protected witnesses Sarah and Curlee Discaya, as well as Orly Guteza—a former staff member of Rep. Zaldy Co—who claimed millions were delivered to the homes of Romualdez and Co, the former speaker has not been summoned to any investigation.
“Ganito ba katindi ang kapangyarihang hawak ni Martin Romualdez, na bagaman hindi siya speaker, tila ‘the name that cannot be mentioned’ pa din siya,” Escudero asked, noting that the DOJ, NBI, and AMLC have yet to include Romualdez in their probes.
The senator alleged that the supposed “script” was crafted to deflect attention away from the House of Representatives and pin the controversy on senators. He insisted that former DPWH officials testifying against him and other senators were being used to shield the actual lawmakers who controlled district funds.
Escudero further charged that Romualdez exploited “for later release” (FLR) funds to pressure House members into signing the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte. According to him, Romualdez told lawmakers: “Pumirma kayo! Dahil kung hindi, hindi ilalabas ang inyong pondo na naka-FLR bago mag-eleksyon.” He said this was ultimately blocked by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
In response, Romualdez categorically denied the allegations. “For my part, I will continue to cooperate with every impartial investigation. My record can withstand scrutiny. Wala akong itinatago,” he said in a statement.
He dismissed Escudero’s accusations as nothing more than a “DDS script — the same recycled accusations we have long seen on troll pages and social media posts.” Romualdez argued that the senator’s speech was less about denying corruption allegations and more about aligning himself with Vice President Duterte ahead of the 2028 elections.
