Former House Speaker and Leyte 1st District Rep. Martin Romualdez’s scheduled appearance before the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) on Oct. 22 has been canceled, following his request to postpone due to a medical procedure.
The ICI confirmed the cancellation in a media advisory issued Saturday, Oct. 18, and said it would announce a new hearing date once determined.
Romualdez had earlier expressed his intent to “help speed up” the ICI investigation into alleged irregularities in the 2025 national budget, which was approved during his term as Speaker in the 19th Congress.
He first appeared before the Commission on Oct. 14, where he said he was able to share his side of the story.
He was among those accused of receiving kickbacks from anomalous flood control projects, alongside former Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co.
However, the allegation was later discredited following reports that the affidavit submitted by former Marine Orly Guteza may have been falsified.
In an ambush interview prior to his initial hearing, Romualdez denied involvement in the Bicameral Conference Committee, which allegedly made the budget insertions.
“I 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.
“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.” (Joseph Pedrajas)
