Cornered but defiant, former House Speaker and Leyte 1st District Representative Martin Romualdez broke months of silence on Tuesday night, April 21, issuing a strong denial of his alleged involvement in the massive flood control project scandal.
In an 11-minute video message transmitted to the House of Representatives, Romualdez shifted from legal restraint to public defense, claiming his silence had been exploited by detractors.
“For months, I chose silence because I believed in our legal system and in the rule of law. But my silence is now being exploited with politically engineered and fabricated narratives,” Romualdez said.
Allegations of Weaponization
Romualdez accused certain sectors of orchestrating efforts to tarnish his reputation, pointing to former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co—recently apprehended in Prague—as being manipulated to build a false case.
“What’s even more disturbing—and this is something that cannot be ignored—is that there are emerging indications that certain sectors are attempting to weaponize individuals, including Zaldy Co, to construct a narrative that serves their own interests,” he stated.
His remarks followed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s April 16 announcement of Co’s arrest. Co, a former House Appropriations chair, is considered a central figure in the corruption probe.
‘I Will Not Go Alone’
Romualdez warned he would not be made a scapegoat to shield others allegedly accountable.
“I will not allow myself to be turned into the scapegoat so that others who are actually accountable can walk away clean… I will not go quietly, and I will not go alone.”
He issued a veiled warning to both current and past administrations, stressing his long tenure has given him access to sensitive information.
“I have been in public life long enough. I have seen enough. I have heard enough. I know many things: about this current administration and past administrations as well,” he remarked.
Legal vs. Public Battle
While expressing preference for resolution through legal channels, Romualdez signaled readiness for a “scorched-earth” public defense if attacks persist.
“So, when the legal process is being used against me as a political demolition job, then, I will have no choice but to defend myself. And I will defend myself fully,” he declared.
He closed with a final warning:
“To those who think they can throw me under the bus to save themselves, this is what I say to you: I am ready to defend my name. My silence should not be mistaken for weakness, ignorance, or fear. I know enough to defend myself. And if I am forced to do so in public, I will.”