House Speaker Martin Romualdez vowed Monday to extend full cooperation with President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s quest for accountability amid allegations of corruption in government infrastructure projects.
In a statement, Romualdez reiterated that the lower chamber under his leadership has nothing to hide and will not coddle any member, who may be implicated in the ensuing investigation of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI).
“Nothing to hide, no one to protect, and above all—we will turn away from the public interest,” Romualdez said in response to the President’s latest remarks that no one will be spared from holding government officials accountable in connection with the flood control anomalies.
The House leader said the President’s reminder must serve as a guiding principle not only for the House, but for all branches of government committed to restoring public trust.
“I fully support President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s statement that no one is exempt from accountability. The House of Representatives has already embraced this principle in our work to uphold transparency and restore public trust,” Romualdez said.
The Speaker underscored that investigations should be anchored on evidence, not speculation or hearsay.
“The President has also reminded us against name-dropping and reckless accusations. I share this view. Investigations must be anchored on facts and evidence, not on rumor, innuendo, or hearsay. Only by focusing on the truth can we ensure both accountability and fairness,” he pointed out.
Romualdez reiterated that the House will never serve as a refuge for wrongdoing, even if lawmakers are involved.
“From the very start, I have made it clear: the House will not be a refuge for wrongdoing. Not even its own Members will be shielded if wrongdoing is proven. We will ensure that the process is fair, fact-based, and guided by the rule of law,” he emphasized.
Romualdez backed the creation of the ICI as an opportunity to cleanse the system. At the same time, he noted that House committees have begun reviewing procurement safeguards and monitoring project implementation to plug loopholes and strengthen oversight.
“This issue is bigger than personalities. It is about safeguarding the people’s money and ensuring that every bridge, road and flood control project truly serves the Filipino people,” the seasoned legislator from Leyte said.
Romualdez declared that the “House will remain a co-equal partner of the President in building not just infrastructure, but also a Bagong Pilipinas anchored on accountability, honesty and public trust.”
