Photo credit: Martin Romualdez

MANILA — Speaker of the House Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez has publicly addressed the allegations made against him in a recent Senate hearing, calling the claims "false, malicious, and nothing more than name-dropping."

In a statement released on September 8, 2025, Romualdez directly responded to a joint affidavit by the Discaya couple, who had claimed his name was used to secure commissions from infrastructure projects. The speaker stated unequivocally, "I have never, and I will never, accept a bribe from anybody. Walang sinuman ang kayang manuhol sa akin."

He clarified the distinct roles of the legislative and executive branches, emphasizing that Congress is responsible for debating and approving the national budget, but not for releasing funds or implementing projects—that duty belongs to agencies like the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

"If anyone invoked my name, they did so without my knowledge and without my consent," Romualdez asserted, adding that those who used his name to profit are the ones who should be held accountable.

The Speaker's statement also touched on his personal journey, describing himself as self-made and expressing gratitude for the public's trust. He concluded by affirming his dedication to ethical governance and protecting the integrity of the House of Representatives, declaring, "I will not allow falsehoods to tarnish my integrity or the institution I lead."