Lawmakers on Tuesday expressed support for the call of Makati Business Club (MBC) Executive Director Apa Ongpin for due process to all in the ongoing probe on alleged flood control irregularities, saying the principle of fairness must guide the entire process.
House Infrastructure Committee Overall chairperson and Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon said Ongpin’s remarks reflect a “balanced and principled view” at a time when public discourse has been clouded by speculation.
“Mr. Ongpin’s statement is a timely reminder that the rule of law—not rumor—must prevail,” Ridon said. “We welcome his call for due process because it ensures that investigations are based on facts, not politics.”
Ridon emphasized that no one—whether in the executive branch, the legislature, or the private sector—should be exempt from scrutiny when public funds are involved. He said all institutions and personalities must be given both the right to be heard and the duty to cooperate with lawful investigations.
He noted that various officials have already extended their cooperation to the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI), and encouraged others to do the same.
“Let the institutions work independently and let the truth come out through evidence,” Ridon said. “That’s how justice is served—and how trust in government is rebuilt.”
House Deputy Speaker Francisco Paolo Ortega V of La Union shared Ridon’s statement and echoed the public’s call for fairness and due process in the ongoing probe on alleged flood control anomalies.
Ortega lauded Ongpin’s remarks, saying they reflect the same principles of transparency and accountability being advanced by the ICI and by former Speaker Martin Romualdez himself, who has consistently cooperated with the inquiry.
Ortega said, ‘We welcome Mr. Ongpin’s statement as a reminder that justice must never be selective. The process must be based on facts, not political color or pressure,” Ortega said.
Ongpin said that like anyone else, Romualdez deserves due process and a fair, independent investigation. He also stressed that investigators must act free from political interference and ensure all those accused are given the chance to defend themselves properly.
Ortega emphasized that Romualdez had already demonstrated integrity by stepping down as Speaker last month to ensure “full accountability and transparency” amid the ongoing investigation.
“We’ve seen the former Speaker face these issues squarely. He has cooperated with investigators and remains committed to the truth. That’s the kind of leadership the public deserves to see,” Ortega added.
The La Union House leader reiterated that due process is the cornerstone of justice, saying the government’s credibility in its anti-corruption drive depends on impartial investigations.
