Lanao del Sur 1st District Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong on Monday welcomed the statement of Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson that there is no evidence linking former Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez to the flood control controversy, calling it a timely reminder that investigations must be anchored on facts—not noise.
Adiong said the remarks of Lacson, also chairman of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, underscore the basic standard of due process: allegations must be supported by evidence, affidavits, and documentation before reputations are dragged through the mud.
“This reinforces what should be obvious in any serious inquiry—without factual evidence, sworn statements, and documents, there is nothing to pursue,” Adiong said. “Critics should stop the political noise and pressure tactics. Investigations are not trial by rumor.”
The lawmaker said Lacson’s position, aired over dzBB radio, makes clear that the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee can only follow where the evidence leads, and not act on insinuations.
In the interview, Lacson noted that while Romualdez’s name had been mentioned, there was no firm proof to warrant action by the committee.
He stressed that no witness has directly implicated the former Speaker except Orly Guteza, whose testimony has not been substantiated
The supposed witness failed to surface before the Department of Justice (DoJ), the Ombudsman, or the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) to affirm his claims under oath, the lawmaker added.
Adiong said this context matters.
“When a witness disappears and no sworn affirmation follows, you cannot manufacture a case,” he said. “Public officials deserve the same fairness expected of any citizen.”
He also echoed Lacson’s rejection of claims that the probe was blocked by Malacañang or by the senator himself, noting Lacson’s long-standing reputation for independence.
“The Senate chair was clear: there was no pressure, and even if there were, it would not work,” Adiong said. “That should put to rest the conspiracy theories.”
He urged all sides to allow institutions to do their work, free from partisan attacks.
“Let evidence speak. If there is none, then stop harassing people in the court of public opinion,” he said. “Our country deserves sober debate, not sarswela.”
