Romualdez at ICI probe: I have nothing to hide

Former House speaker Martin Romualdez appeared before the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) yesterday morning, in response to the fact-finding body’s invitation as part of the ongoing probe on anomalous flood control projects.

- RAINIER ALLAN RONDA

In a chance interview before he entered the hearing hall at the ICI office in Taguig at around 9:40 a.m., Romualdez thanked the ICI for the invitation to be a “resource person.”

“I am ready to give my personal knowledge on the budget process,” Romualdez said.

He expressed confidence that he would be vindicated in the end amid allegations of involvement in the flood control scandal.

“At the end of the day, it is evidence — not political noise or unfounded accusations — that will reveal what really happened. My presence here reflects my commitment to state the truth and not allow politics to prevail,” he said.

“I am here to cooperate fully and help uncover the truth. I'm not hiding anything and there is nothing for me to hide," Romualdez added.

He denied receiving kickbacks as claimed by Orly Guteza, Zaldy Co's former security aide.

Guteza earlier said he delivered bags of cash to Romualdez from his boss' home, which may reach up to over P1.6 billion.

The Leyte 1st district congressman reiterated his purpose in appearing before the ICI, which was to "clarify the issues and share whatever information I can that may help the commission in its work." "While I was not part of the bicameral conference committee, whatever I know, I will share," he noted.

Emerging from the hearing about two hours later, Romualdez said the ICI was a forum for facts and evidence.