ICI not shielding Romualdez in flood control mess, says spox

The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) on Tuesday denied speculations that it is shielding former House Speaker Martin Romualdez from scrutiny in the ongoing investigation into the alleged kickback scheme involving public works projects.

ICI Executive Director Brian Hosaka assured the public that the commission is not giving Romualdez a free pass, even as its recommendations to the Ombudsman did not make conclusive findings on the former Speaker’s supposed involvement.

“Wala pong ganoon. Hindi po ganoon ang nangyayari dito. Kaya nga po kami nagsumite ng mga dokumento at ebidensya sa Ombudsman para matulungan sila sa kanilang pag-iimbestiga with regard to this matter against former Speaker Romualdez,” Hosaka said in an interview on Super Radyo dzBB.

(There’s nothing like that. That’s not what is happening here. That is precisely why we submitted documents and evidence to the Ombudsman to help them in their investigation regarding this matter against former Speaker Romualdez.)

Hosaka issued the clarification amid widespread public perception that Romualdez is allegedly benefitting from some form of protection by the ICI.

On Monday, the commission submitted its findings on Romualdez to the Office of the Ombudsman “for further investigation,” noting that the report was “issued without any finding or conclusion of guilt or liability on (Romualdez).”

The ICI is also facing criticism for its supposed refusal to make public its proceedings and to disclose its findings from the appearance of Romualdez before the panel.

Last week, reports surfaced that the ICI and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) had recommended the filing of plunder, graft, and bribery charges against Romualdez and former Ako Bicol Representative Zaldy Co.

Hosaka stressed that the ICI will continue gathering evidence against Romualdez and others linked to the alleged corruption scheme.

“Mas mabuti nga po na naibigay namin ‘yung mga dokumento at ebidensya para kumpleto po ‘yung pag-aaral ng Office of the Ombudsman,” he said.

(It’s better that we submitted the documents and evidence so the Office of the Ombudsman can conduct a complete investigation.)

“Kasi po nakikita namin na baka ito ay makatulong sa kanilang imbestigasyon,” he added.

(Because we see that this may help their investigation.)

Romualdez was linked to the flood control controversy by a surprise witness before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, former security aide Orly Guteza, who claimed he personally delivered suitcases containing billions of pesos to the residences of the former Speaker and Co.

In an earlier statement, Romualdez denied the allegations.

Boxes of evidence

Hosaka said the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday submitted to the ICI 95 boxes of evidence related to 28 alleged ghost flood control projects.

He said the documents will be used for case buildup.

“Kahapon po nakapagsumite sila ng 95 boxes. Ganoon po karami ‘yung dokumentong sinumite nila. Ito po ay pertaining to 28 supposed ghost projects na tinitingnan at pinag-aaralan at iniimbestiga ng ICI,” he said.

(Yesterday they submitted 95 boxes. These pertain to 28 supposed ghost projects that the ICI is examining and investigating.)

“And hopefully, once magkaroon kami ng case buildup, ay mairerefer na namin ang mga kaso or possible cases sa Office of the Ombudsman,” he added.

(And hopefully, once we have completed the case buildup, we can refer the cases or possible cases to the Office of the Ombudsman.)

Hosaka said the ICI is looking into a total of 421 suspected ghost projects. He added that investigators are also focusing on the top 15 contractors previously flagged by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.—MCG, GMA Integrated News