Chiz

Estrada and former senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla as among those facing criminal complaints in relation to the flood control scandal.

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While resigned congressman Zaldy Co was also recommended by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for indictment and prosecution, Romualdez was not among those facing charges.

“In the past weeks, it’s been very clear that public outrage over ghost and substandard projects is being diverted from those guilty to the Senate and to some of its members,” Escudero said in Filipino. “Senators are being made fall guys.”

“There’s only one person behind this script and zarzuela — Martin Romualdez,” he said.

He cited testimonies from former marine M/Sgt. Jay Guteza, who told senators that he had personally delivered suitcases of cash to Romualdez’s residence, as well as earlier disclosures by Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco.

Escudero recalled Guteza’s testimony about having delivered 35 suitcases containing cash to Romualdez’s residence.

“Despite this, isn’t it perplexing that Romualdez has never been included in any investigation by the DOJ, NBI or AMLC?” Escudero said, referring to the Department of Justice and the Anti-Money Laundering Council.

He said Romualdez had also weaponized the release of “for later release” (FLR) funds and even used the impeachment complaint against the Vice President to pressure lawmakers.