By El Amigo
MANILA — Malacañang on Wednesday stressed that Speaker Martin Romualdez will not be spared from the government’s investigation into alleged corruption in flood control projects, even if he steps down as leader of the House of Representatives.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro made the assurance as reports swirled that Romualdez, who represents Leyte’s first district, is preparing to vacate the speakership amid mounting pressure and a widening probe.
“Resign or not resign, he will still be investigated,” Castro told reporters in Filipino during a press briefing. “If his name is dragged and there is evidence against him, it would be good for him to defend himself by presenting records he would like to share.”
Independent probe
The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), created to scrutinize big-ticket public works projects, has been looking into claims of overpricing, ghost projects, and anomalous contracts in flood control programs across the country. Several lawmakers, including Romualdez, have been linked to the controversy.
Castro clarified that the ICI has full authority to summon government agencies and individuals to shed light on the alleged schemes. “The ICI was designed to collaborate with other offices, not to overlap. It has the mandate to dig deep into infrastructure projects where public funds were supposedly misused,” she said.
Calls for accountability
The controversy comes at a politically sensitive time for Romualdez, who has been serving as Speaker since 2022 and is considered one of the most powerful figures in Congress. His possible resignation, confirmed earlier by Deputy Speaker Ronaldo Puno in a radio interview, is seen as an attempt to ease tensions within the House.
“Yesterday, our Speaker Martin Romualdez called us over and he informed us that he plans to resign from his post today,” Puno said in Filipino, adding that Romualdez even recommended a potential successor.
Despite this, the Palace insisted that leaving the speakership would not amount to political immunity. “Accountability must always be observed. Nobody should think that by stepping down, they can escape responsibility,” Castro said.
Marcos: No one exempt
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who is a cousin of Romualdez, earlier reiterated that his administration’s anti-corruption campaign will spare no one — not even political allies or family members.
“The President has made it very clear that we cannot allow anomalies to go unpunished,” Castro said. “This investigation is not about personalities, but about ensuring public funds are used properly.”
Political analysts note that the Palace’s firm stance underscores Marcos’ effort to distance himself from the controversy, particularly as the ICI probe gains traction and public scrutiny intensifies.
Leadership shake-up
If Romualdez pushes through with his resignation, lawmakers will be tasked with electing a new Speaker, a move that could alter alliances in the House. Among those floated as possible successors is Deputy Speaker Bojie Dy of Isabela, whom Romualdez himself reportedly endorsed.
Observers warn that the transition could spark fresh power struggles in the lower chamber, especially with key legislative priorities still pending.
Public trust at stake
Civil society groups have welcomed the Palace’s assurance, saying the ICI must act with transparency and independence. “The public deserves to know the truth about these flood control projects. Billions of pesos are at stake, and accountability should not be selective,” said one anti-corruption watchdog.
As the probe unfolds, all eyes will be on whether Romualdez can weather the storm or face deeper political fallout. For now, Malacañang’s message is clear: resignation will not erase the need for accountability.
