Vice President Sara Duterte has once again taken aim at the Marcos administration, accusing it of shielding political allies linked to the controversial flood control projects. She singled out former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, saying he should be placed under detention at the House of Representatives.
In a GMA News Online report, Duterte questioned why Romualdez and Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co have not faced stronger sanctions despite being implicated in the controversy. “Isa sa mga examples na masabi ko sa inyo na wala talaga silang sinseridad sa imbestigasyon sa flood control kasi tinuro na, pinangalanan na… Si Zaldy Co, hinayaan nilang umalis ng bansa. Si Martin Romualdez, hinayaan nilang mag-resign. Nag-resign naman na, so tapos na ang usapan,” she said.
The Vice President went further, accusing Malacañang of selective action, comparing the government’s treatment of her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, with the leeway allegedly given to Co and Romualdez. “Hindi man lang nila magawa na ikulong si Martin Romualdez diyan sa detention unit ng House of Representatives?” she asked.
Romualdez stepped down as Speaker earlier this week, replaced by Isabela Rep. Faustino “Bojie” Dy III, while Co remains in the United States on medical leave. Both have denied allegations of involvement in irregularities.
Contractors Curlee and Sarah Discaya earlier claimed that lawmakers and DPWH officials often mentioned Romualdez and Co’s names when demanding commissions from flood control projects, though Curlee later clarified he had no direct dealings with either legislator.
Duterte, however, maintained that the administration’s actions show little resolve to hold powerful figures accountable. “Wala. Dahil wala silang sinseridad, pinapakita lang nila sa mga tao na kunwari meron silang ginagawa. Pero ang totoo niyan, naghahanda lang sila para sa hatian ng 2026 budget at para sa kung anong gagawin nila sa 2028,” she said.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has earlier promised that allies will not be spared from the independent probe on ghost and anomalous flood control projects. But Duterte insists that without real consequences, the investigation remains hollow.
