AFTER maintaining silence for a long time out of respect for the legal process, former House speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has finally spoken out, asserting that his restraint was exploited to create a false narrative against him.
In a statement released on Monday, April 21, 2026, Romualdez announced that he would no longer remain quiet, emphasizing that he has fully cooperated with authorities and submitted his affidavit to the Office of the Ombudsman’s Integrity Case Investigation Unit (ICI). To demonstrate transparency, he authorized the immediate public release of his affidavit and supporting documents, stressing that there is no evidence to support allegations of plunder.
Romualdez strongly denied being the “mastermind” of any corruption scheme. He explained that the national budget is a collective process involving the Executive branch, the House of Representatives, and the Senate.
While Congress deliberates and approves the budget, he pointed out that actual implementation, bidding, and inspection are functions of the Executive branch, specifically agencies like the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). “Corruption occurs at the execution phase, not during legislation,” he stated. He further clarified that he was not part of the Bicameral Committee or Small Committee deliberations, naming Senators Chiz Escudero and Zaldy Co as those instrumental in those decisions.
To defend his integrity, Romualdez challenged the public to verify projects in his own district, guaranteeing that Tacloban has zero ghost or substandard projects. He warned against selective justice and urged investigators to follow the evidence and names appearing in sworn testimonies. Alleging that certain sectors are attempting to weaponize the legal process and use individuals like Zaldy Co for political gain, Romualdez vowed not to be made a scapegoat. He called on the Ombudsman to pursue the truth based on facts and due process, warning that he is prepared to defend himself publicly if pushed into a corner.
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