House Deputy Speaker and Antipolo City 1st District Representative Ronaldo Puno claimed that a “planned demolition job” is being carried out against former House Speaker and Leyte 1st District Representative Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, following the resurfacing of issues that the Department of Agriculture (DA) had already cleared of any irregularities.
Puno questioned the timing of the renewed accusations, noting that they coincided with Romualdez’s appearance before the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) inquiry on Tuesday, October 14.
“Malungkot ang timing kasi parang may konting demolition na nangyayari dito,” Puno said in an ambush interview with reporters.
He explained that the farm-to-market road projects in Leyte being linked to Romualdez were minor initiatives that had undergone proper review by both the DA and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
“Unang-una, these were not very big projects at ito ay nakalusot na sa pagsusuri ng kalihim mismo ng Department of Agriculture,” he said.
Puno also pointed out that Agriculture Secretary Francisco Laurel Jr. himself had earlier clarified that the “ghost” and “substandard” projects identified by the agency were not located in Leyte.
“Kung maalala ninyo, nagbanggit siya (Sec. Laurel) ng mga ghost projects at substandard projects, ngunit wala ni isa doon ang nasa Leyte,” he added.
The Deputy Speaker further alleged that the issue was being used to shift blame and divert attention from those truly responsible.
“There is scapegoating that is going on, nagtuturuan para makatakas sa responsibilidad,” he said.
Puno described the controversy as part of a larger effort to single out Romualdez for supposed irregularities in infrastructure projects — a narrative he called unfounded and politically driven.
“May mga gumagawa ng distractions at nagkakaroon ng lynch-mob mentality laban sa dating Speaker, na sa tingin ko ay sobrang hindi patas,” Puno stressed.
He urged the public to view the circulating reports with critical discernment, warning against falling for “negative propaganda” and unverified claims.