President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. clarified on Thursday that Leyte Representative Martin Romualdez remains under scrutiny in connection with the alleged “ghost” flood control projects, stressing that the investigation is still ongoing.
Speaking at a press briefing in Malacañang, Marcos said no concrete evidence has been found linking his cousin, the former House Speaker, to the controversy for now. “The only evidence that has been made against him is in the Senate. If something else comes out, then he might have to be answerable for something,” the President stated.
Romualdez has been repeatedly mentioned in earlier legislative inquiries into the supposed anomalies but has consistently denied any involvement.
Marcos also issued a stern warning against government officials and private individuals implicated in fraudulent infrastructure projects, vowing arrests “before Christmas.” He said, “Your happy days are over. We will get you.”
The controversy resurfaced after Senator Panfilo Lacson, who recently resumed his post as Blue Ribbon Committee chair, confirmed plans to summon Romualdez to the next round of hearings. During a Senate appearance, witness Orly Guteza had linked the lawmaker to the flood control scam, while Lacson added that other legislators named by couple Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya and Sarah Discaya in their affidavit would also be invited to testify.
