Malacañang on Friday reaffirmed that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. will not meddle in the ongoing investigation into alleged anomalies in flood control projects, even as new claims surfaced involving his cousin, Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez.
During a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro was asked about Senate testimony from Orly Regala Guteza, who said he personally delivered suitcases filled with money to Romualdez’s residence and to that of Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co.
“Kung mayroon po talagang ganitong pangyayari, patunayan na lang po at muli, hindi po makikialam ang Pangulo sa mga pag-iimbestiga na ito kaya po nag-create ng independent commission para maging malaya ang pag-iimbestiga,” Castro said. She emphasized that no one will be spared: “Kamag-anak, kaalyado, pinsan man, kapatid man, o anuman, lahat po ay dapat maimbestigahan kung dapat na maimbestigahan.”
Guteza, who identified himself as a former security consultant of Co, alleged that the deliveries occurred up to three times a week, with more cash supposedly going to Romualdez because of the rotation of security details. He also said he fears for his life and hopes to be placed under the Department of Justice’s Witness Protection Program.
Both Romualdez and Co have flatly denied the accusations.
President Marcos had earlier assured the public that his relatives and allies would not be exempt from the scrutiny of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure, which is tasked to dig into corruption allegations linked to flood control funds.
