Senate Deputy Minority Leader Rodante Marcoleta has sounded the alarm over a recent video statement from Leyte 1st District Representative and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, suggests the remarks imply a wider web of complicity within the government.
The controversy centers on a specific declaration by Romualdez where he reportedly stated he “will not go down alone.”
Marcoleta characterized this comment as a significant red flag within the ongoing investigation into alleged anomalies involving flood control appropriations.
“If this is indeed the case, then the duty to disclose such information is immediate and non-negotiable. The pursuit of truth is not a bargaining chip but a constitutional obligation owed to the Filipino people,” Marcoleta asserted.
The Senator expressed skepticism regarding the timing and context of Romualdez’s pronouncements, which come at a time when the Senate inquiry is intensifying.
He noted that the urgency for accountability is heightened by recent reports that Romualdez was issued a travel clearance shortly before being placed under a precautionary hold departure order.
According to Marcoleta, these developments highlight the severity of the allegations and the necessity for absolute transparency across all government branches.
He further critiqued the former Speaker’s previous justifications for his silence, pointing out that while Romualdez claimed to respect the legal process, he failed to attend invitations from the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee.
“Respect for due process is not selective. It demands cooperation with lawful inquiries, especially those conducted in aid of legislation and public accountability,” Marcoleta said.
Furthermore, Marcoleta questioned the validity of Romualdez’s supposed cooperation with the Independent Commission for Infrastructure, noting a lack of public documentation to support the claim.
He raised doubts about why the House leader is choosing to release an affidavit only now that the political and legal pressure has reached a boiling point.
“The timing of this sudden transparency invites skepticism. Why now? Why only after the situation has intensified?”
The Senator reminded the public that leadership roles—especially those with significant sway over the national budget—do not exempt officials from scrutiny.
He maintained that the resolution of the flood control controversy must be dictated by hard evidence rather than political maneuvering.
“The call is simple: follow the evidence wherever it leads, without fear or favor,” he concluded. “No position, no title, and no influence should place anyone above the law.”