Screengrab from Martin Romualdez

Former Speaker of the House Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has broken his silence on corruption allegations linked to the national budget, denying any wrongdoing and pushing back against what he described as false and politically motivated claims.

In a lengthy public statement, Romualdez said he initially chose to remain silent out of respect for the legal process but decided to speak out as accusations against him continued to circulate.

“For a long time, I chose to remain silent. I did so out of respect for the legal process. I did so because I did not want to add more noise to an already divisive issue. I did so because I believed that if I cooperated fully, submitted myself to the proper authorities, and answered every question asked of me, the truth would eventually speak for itself. But there comes a point when silence is no longer prudence.”

He emphasized that he has been cooperative from the beginning, appearing before authorities and submitting documents, including an affidavit.

“I did not hide. I did not run. I did not evade scrutiny.”

Romualdez also said he is authorizing the public release of his affidavit and supporting documents so the public can examine the evidence.

“I am today authorizing the immediate public release of the affidavit I submitted, together with all supporting information, so that the Filipino people can judge for themselves who has been transparent and who is being politically targeted.”

Denies ‘Mastermind’ Allegation

Romualdez rejected claims that he was the alleged mastermind behind a corruption scheme tied to the national budget, calling the accusation absurd.

“Now let us address the most absurd accusation of all, that I am supposedly the mastermind of this corruption scheme.”

He explained that the national budget goes through a constitutional process involving both the executive and legislative branches.

“The national budget does not depend on just one person. The budget does not begin in the House. It begins in the Executive.”

He stressed that Congress is a collegial body composed of many members and committees, while the Senate also plays a key role before the final budget is sent to the President.

Points to Implementation Stage

Romualdez argued that if corruption exists, it is more likely to happen during the implementation of projects rather than during legislative approval.

“If corruption were to occur in a magnitude made known to us over the past months, then it is clear that the real corruption does not happen at the level of the general legislative approval alone. It happens at the level of execution of the General Appropriations Act.”

He added that government agencies under the executive branch are responsible for carrying out projects.

“Congress does not build flood control projects. Congress does not conduct procurement.”

Defends Record

Romualdez pointed to his home district as proof against the allegations, saying there are no ghost or substandard flood control projects linked to him.

“My district has zero ghost and zero substandard flood control projects. Zero. And that is verifiable.”

He said he would release a list of projects tied to his district for public scrutiny.

He also questioned why concerns were not raised earlier during budget deliberations if there were irregularities.

Warns Against Political Motives

Romualdez said his silence had been used to create a misleading narrative and warned that he would not allow himself to be made a scapegoat.

“My silence has been abused and weaponized to build a narrative that is false, twisted, and unfair. So let me be clear. I will not keep quiet anymore.”

“I will not allow myself to be turned into the scapegoat so that others who are actually accountable can walk away clean.”

Calls for Due Process

In closing, Romualdez urged the Office of the Ombudsman to follow evidence and due process in handling the case.

“Follow the rule of law and due process. This is a serious matter and it should be handled with seriousness, not with haste, theatrics, or shortcuts.”

He reiterated that he is ready to face all allegations through proper legal channels.

“I am ready and willing to respond to every allegation in the proper forum.”

Romualdez ended his statement by saying he is prepared to defend himself publicly if necessary, signaling a more assertive stance as the controversy continues.