LEYTE Rep. Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Thursday denounced as “an outright and complete fabrication” the testimony of a coached witness before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee that linked him to alleged kickbacks in flood control projects.
“I was deeply surprised to hear the allegation raised against me today before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee— that several pieces of luggage supposedly containing money were ever delivered to a residence associated with me,” Romualdez said.
“The so-called testimony of Sen. [Rodante] Marcoleta’s witness is an outright and complete fabrication—nothing more than a desperate attempt to link me to supposed kickbacks where none exist. Pilit na pilit,” he added.
Romualdez pointed out what he called the “most telling flaw” in the account. “The witness’ claim that deliveries were made to McKinley beginning December 2024. Imposible iyan. That property has been under renovation since January 2024 and was unoccupied except for construction workers. Falsus in uno, falsus in omnibus—false in one thing, false in everything.”
“This is clearly political and the product of coaching. I will not allow these perjurious statements to pass unchallenged. Hindi ko ito palalampasin,” he stressed.
Romualdez categorically reiterated his position. “I repeat: I have never received or benefited from kickbacks in any infrastructure project. I have never authorized, instructed, or allowed anyone to engage in any conduct that would betray the people or taint my name.”
Romualdez underscored his readiness to face scrutiny. “I welcome a fair, transparent, and impartial investigation to expose these falsehoods. I voluntarily resigned as Speaker of the House of Representatives precisely to demonstrate my full support for the inquiry into flood control issues.”
Romualdez said he had “remained silent out of respect for the process,” but now that his name has been dragged into the controversy, he vowed: “I will fight back— not with rhetoric, but with evidence.”
“Kahit kailan, hindi ako nagnakaw ng pondo ng bayan. Hindi ko kailangan ang perang galing sa masama,” Romualdez declared.
“To the Filipino people, I give you this solemn assurance: I will never betray your trust,” Speaker Romualdez said.
