HOUSE Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Sunday took exception to former Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero’s parting remarks, rejecting the notion that the Blue Ribbon hearings should be considered a legislative accomplishment.
“Sen. Chiz Escudero may consider the Blue Ribbon hearings as part of his legacy, but it is unfair to call them an accomplishment when they relied on unfounded claims,” Speaker Romualdez said following the leadership change in the Senate earlier in the day.
The Speaker underscored that what transpired during the hearings had less to do with truth and more with political attacks, stressing that even the allegations themselves came from questionable sources.
“Malinaw na ang mga pagdinig na ito ay ginamit hindi para sa katotohanan, kundi para sa paninira. And worse, the accusations came from contractors themselves – those already under investigation and admitting responsibility for ghost projects,” Speaker Romualdez noted.
He went further to stress that accountability, if it is to mean anything, must always be anchored on evidence, warning that rumors and accusations could never be a substitute for justice.
“True accountability rests on facts, not on innuendo. Ang sabi-sabi ay hindi ebidensiya, at ang paninira ay hindi kailanman magiging hustisya,” Speaker Romualdez declared.
In closing his statement, Speaker Romualdez emphasized the House’s focus on its constitutional duty to scrutinize the national budget and ensure public funds are spent for the people’s welfare.
“The House of Representatives remains focused on real work – safeguarding every peso of the people’s money and serving with integrity and resolve,” he said.
The remarks came after the Senate voted to elect Vicente “Tito” Sotto III as Senate President.
Sen. Ping Lacson was chosen as Senate President Pro Tempore while Sen. Migz Zubiri secured the position of Majority Leader.
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