Senate Deputy Minority Leader Rodante Marcoleta on Thursday questioned the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) for not including former House Speaker and Leyte 1st District Representative Ferdinand Martin Romualdez among those recommended for criminal prosecution in the multibillion-peso flood control corruption scandal.
In a recent television interview, Marcoleta described the ICI’s move as “a good beginning” but stressed that the fact-finding body must also pursue the “big fish” behind the large-scale misuse of public funds.
On Wednesday, the ICI urged the Office of the Ombudsman to file plunder, graft, malversation, and other criminal charges against several government officials, including Senators Joel Villanueva and Jinggoy Estrada, former Ako Bicol Representative Zaldy Co, and former Caloocan 2nd District Representative Mitch Cajayon-Uy, over their alleged involvement in pocketing public money meant for flood control projects.
“It’s a good beginning. Pero sinasabi ko nga, hindi ko naman sinasabi na huwag nating habulin ang mga sapsap. Ang palagi kong sinasabi, ‘yung mga butete, ‘yung mga dilis, okay lang ‘yun. But let us not forget yung malalaking isda sapagkat sila talaga ang promoter ng pagnanakaw ng pera ng bayan,” Marcoleta said.
He questioned why Romualdez was not part of the list of respondents despite the sworn affidavit of retired Marine T/Sgt. Orly Guteza, who claimed he had personally delivered suitcases of cash to the former House leader’s residences.
“Why was Martin Romualdez not included? Because they are trying to discredit Guteza’s testimony?” Marcoleta asked.
When asked if the inclusion of senators in the list could ease public anger, Marcoleta said he was unsure, noting that many members of the House of Representatives still appear to be shielded from accountability.
“I don’t know kung mapa-pacify natin o mahuhupa ng tao. Sabagay ang nakikita nila, pagka mga congressmen ang dapat na sumalang sa imbestigasyon, lahat ginagawa para pagtakpan sila,” he said, referencing Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson’s earlier revelation about the 67 unnamed ‘congtractors’ linked to the scandal.
Marcoleta further noted that at least 17 House members had already been accused by contractors Sarah and Curlee Discaya of demanding kickbacks from flood control projects, yet none have been summoned for questioning.
“Kaya nga gusto kong malaman. Kung tatawagin niya (Lacson) si Martin Romualdez, make him appear before the committee. Para makapagtanong naman kami,” he added.