Romualdez not filing cases vs. accusers in flood control mess 'for now'

Speaker and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez won’t file complaints against individuals accusing him of being involved in the flood control project mess for now, according to Surigao del Norte Rep. Ace Barbers. 

“I don't think that [filing charges] is being considered right now, although we respect the other members of the House who said they will file charges against the Discaya couple who linked them to the flood control mess without presenting evidence,” Barbers, Romualdez's chief communications officer, said in a Balitanghali interview on Friday.

The Discaya couple own St. Gerrard Construction firm, which is in the middle of alleged multi-billion ghost flood control projects being investigated at the Senate and the House of Representatives. 

Barbers noted that while Romualdez is being linked to the anomalous flood control projects, Curlee Discaya himself said that he did not personally transact with the Speaker.

“Up to now, the allegations are hearsay. Mr. Discaya himself said he did not have a direct transaction with the Speaker,” Barbers pointed out.

Barbers also earlier denied Dasmariñas Rep. Francisco “Kiko” Barzaga’s insinuations that Romualdez is involved in implementing flood control projects in Dasmariñas when Romualdez served as the caretaker of the district in light of the death of Kiko’s father, then Dasmarinas Rep. Elpidio Barzaga.

Barbers called on Barzaga to back up his allegations. 

“We appeal to him to show evidence, and he is free to seek an audience with the Speaker to resolve issues he might have been harboring,” Barbers added.

Barbers also dismissed the call of Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco for a supposed "overhaul" in the House leadership.

“Rep. Tiangco’s statements are nothing more than the voice of frustration. Neither he nor Rep. Albee Benitez [of Bacolod City] was even nominated for Speaker. Not a single member of the House cast a vote in their favor. That reality speaks louder than today’s rhetoric,” Barbers said.

“All party leaders remain firmly committed to the supermajority coalition under the leadership of Speaker Romualdez. Allegations raised against him and other lawmakers regarding flood control projects are baseless, without evidence, and sourced from polluted origins. The Speaker has categorically denied these accusations and has repeatedly stated that anyone proven guilty of wrongdoing will never be shielded by his leadership,” emphasized Barbers —VAL, GMA Integrated News