Leyte 1st District Rep. Martin Romualdez, in his first public appearance since resigning as House Speaker, arrived early Tuesday morning, Oct. 14, at the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), declaring his readiness to share his “knowledge of the budget process” to aid the ongoing investigation into the flood control projects corruption scandal.
“While not a member of the bicameral conference committee, I will share all information to help determine facts and information. I am here to help anyway to speed up the fact-finding investigation of the ICI,” he told reporters in an ambush interview.
Romualdez arrived 20 minutes ahead of his 10 a.m. hearing schedule, following Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, who was scheduled at 8 a.m.
The ICI invitation was dated Oct. 8.
In a later press statement, Romualdez said he has always “believed in transparency and accountability.” “And that’s why I am here today — to do my part in ensuring that the truth comes out,” he said.
It was his first time to attend the ICI hearing since the inquiry was launched a month ago.
“I am willing to do anything that will help speed up the investigation, because like every Filipino, I want the truth to be established without delay,” he added.
Maintaining his innocence amid allegations that he received kickbacks from anomalous flood control projects, Romualdez stressed that “it is evidence — not political noise or unfounded accusations — that will reveal what really happened.”
“My presence here reflects my commitment to state the truth and not allow politics to prevail,” he said. (Ellson Quismorio)
