The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) has postponed the second hearing involving former House Speaker and Leyte 1st District Representative Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, originally scheduled for Wednesday, October 22, according to a statement sent to the media on Saturday, October 18.
The ICI said Romualdez requested to defer his appearance as he is set to undergo a medical procedure. However, no further details were provided regarding his health condition.
It will be recalled that on October 14, Romualdez appeared before the commission for the first time, where he denied any link to the alleged “basura scheme.”
“Nagpapasalamat ako talaga sa mga miyembro ng ICI that I was finally given an opportunity to share my side of the story. Kumbaga sa ngayon, it’s about facts and evidence and hindi lang political noise or speculations, kaya the ICI commissioners were able to ask me many questions and I was able to answer them, and I feel very, very happy and I welcome this opportunity,” Romualdez told reporters.
He also expressed his appreciation for being invited to clarify matters regarding the budget process and alleged flood control insertions.
“I’m very glad that I was invited to the ICI to share my personal knowledge on the budget process and, of course, any information about the insertion on the flood control,” he added.
Meanwhile, the ICI is reportedly considering requiring Romualdez to submit his Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) as part of its ongoing inquiry.
“I am ready to come back to the commission anytime I’m invited so that if I can share more information, I will do so,” Romualdez said.