House Speaker and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez has no plans, at least for now, to take legal action against those dragging his name into the alleged ghost flood control projects, his camp clarified on Friday.
Surigao del Norte Rep. Ace Barbers, who serves as Romualdez’s chief communications officer, told GMA News’ Balitanghali that the Speaker remains focused on his work despite persistent accusations.
“I don’t think that [filing charges] is being considered right now, although we respect the other members of the House who said they will file charges against the Discaya couple who linked them to the flood control mess without presenting evidence,” Barbers said.
The Discaya couple, owners of St. Gerrard Construction, are at the center of the multi-billion-peso controversy now under investigation in both chambers of Congress. Barbers stressed, however, that even Curlee Discaya himself admitted he had no direct dealings with Romualdez.
“Up to now, the allegations are hearsay. Mr. Discaya himself said he did not have a direct transaction with the Speaker,” Barbers added.
He also rebuffed insinuations by Dasmariñas Rep. Francisco “Kiko” Barzaga linking Romualdez to projects in Cavite during his stint as caretaker of the district. “We appeal to him to show evidence, and he is free to seek an audience with the Speaker to resolve issues he might have been harboring,” Barbers said.
Barbers further dismissed Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco’s call for an “overhaul” of House leadership, branding it as a product of frustration. “Neither he nor Rep. Albee Benitez was even nominated for Speaker. Not a single member of the House cast a vote in their favor. That reality speaks louder than today’s rhetoric,” he emphasized.
He maintained that the supermajority coalition stands solidly behind Romualdez. “Allegations raised against him and other lawmakers regarding flood control projects are baseless, without evidence, and sourced from polluted origins,” Barbers said, reiterating that the Speaker has denied involvement and will not protect anyone proven guilty of wrongdoing.
