Former House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez declared Tuesday he will not allow himself to be used as a scapegoat in the ongoing flood control controversy, as he moved to open his records to the public and challenged investigators to pursue the full chain of accountability.
“I will not be a scapegoat for actions I did not commit,” Romualdez said, breaking weeks of silence. “The truth is not afraid of scrutiny—and neither am I.”
In a decisive move, Romualdez authorized the public release of his sworn affidavit and supporting documents, saying Filipinos deserve to see the facts firsthand.
“I have nothing to hide. Let the Filipino people judge the truth based on evidence—not on speculation or politics,” he said.
He emphasized that he has fully cooperated with authorities from the outset, including appearing before investigators and submitting documents voluntarily.
Romualdez rejected allegations that he orchestrated any corruption scheme, calling the claim “absurd” and detached from how government actually works.
“The national budget is not the work of one person,” he said. “It is the product of a constitutional process involving the Executive, the House, and the Senate.”
He stressed that the House of Representatives is a collegial body, where decisions are made collectively—not by unilateral action.
Romualdez underscored the distinction between legislation and execution, noting that while Congress appropriates funds, implementation—procurement, project execution, and disbursement—is carried out by the Executive branch, including agencies such as the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
“If irregularities occurred, accountability must follow the entire chain—not be selectively assigned,” he said.
To counter allegations, Romualdez said he is prepared to open all projects in his district for public verification, asserting that any claim of systemic corruption should be supported by facts on the ground.
“If I were involved, it would reflect in the projects associated with me. I am ready for full scrutiny,” he said.
Addressing the Office of the Ombudsman, Romualdez urged investigators to remain objective and resist political pressure.
“Follow the evidence wherever it leads. Justice demands fairness, not convenience,” he said.
Romualdez reiterated that he is prepared to answer all allegations through the proper legal process.
“I will face this head-on. I have nothing to fear from the truth,” Romualdez said.
