Camp says Romualdez a scapegoat

LEYTE REP. Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez is being portrayed as a “convenient excuse and political scapegoat,” his camp said on Thursday, maintaining the former speaker had no links to the alleged anomalies in flood mitigation projects.

In a statement, Elaine A. Atienza, spokesperson of Mr. Romualdez, said that no official from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) nor any resource person who appeared in congressional hearings and other investigations has implicated the lawmaker as having direct role in the planning, funding, contractor selection, or implementation of the projects alleged to be anomalous.

“The reason is simple — because Rep. Romualdez was not involved,” Ms. Atienza said in mixed English and Filipino.

She noted that even former DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan did not mention any participation by Mr. Romualdez.

Ms. Atienza also emphasized that the Speaker of the House cannot control the entire national budget process, “No single person — not even the Speaker of the House — can control.”

She explained that the proposed budget is prepared by the Executive branch and undergoes deliberation in the House and Senate, while the implementation of projects and the release of funds fall under the authority of Executive agencies.

She also said that if any irregularities in the projects are proven, the officials holding legal and operational authority over them should be held accountable.

“Accountability must follow the evidence — not political convenience,” Ms. Atienza said.

“In the pursuit of justice, accusations cannot come before evidence. Under the law, it is the evidence that points to who must be held accountable,” she added in Filipino. — Pexcel John Bacon