Draft Blue Ribbon report tags Martin Romualdez in flood control mess—Lacson

The draft report of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee’s investigation into the alleged flood control fund anomalies includes former House Speaker Martin Romualdez among those recommended to face criminal charges, Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said on Sunday.

Lacson sought to dispel speculation that Romualdez had been spared from any liability in the draft committee report.

“Recommended siya doon. Mali ’yung nagsasabi na hindi namin siya ni-recommend,” Lacson said in an interview with Super Radyo dzBB.

(Romualdez is recommended for prosecution. Reports saying that he was not are wrong.)

Lacson explained that Romualdez may not have been among those initially highlighted because his alleged involvement falls under the committee’s second category—individuals whose names were mentioned during the Senate probe but for whom there is no direct evidence that they received money.

“Kasama siya doon sa second category. Parang magka-lump sila ni dating Senate President Francis Escudero,” Lacson said.

(Romualdez is in the second category along with former Senate President Francis Escudero.)

“Nabanggit ang mga pangalan nila, pero walang direktang ebidensya na tumanggap sila ng pera,” he added, noting that Romualdez was not among the primary actors in the alleged scandal.

(Their names were mentioned, but there is no direct evidence that they accepted money.)

“Although sinabi ni Guteza na nag-deliver siya ng limpak-limpak kay Zaldy Co at Speaker Romualdez, wala namang acknowledgment,” Lacson said.

(Although alleged whistleblower Orly Guteza claimed he delivered large sums of money to former lawmaker Zaldy Co and Speaker Romualdez, there was no acknowledgment.)

Lacson stressed that no proof was presented to show that Romualdez actually received kickbacks.

GMA News Online has sought Romualdez’s comment on the matter and will update this story once he issues a response.

Aside from Guteza’s claims, Romualdez was previously linked to contractors Sarah and Curlee Discaya amid allegations that the former Speaker used the couple as a “front” to purchase a high-end property in Makati City.

Lacson also said Senate majority members would meet to address concerns regarding the draft report of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee.

“Dapat may isang minority na nakapirma doon, particularly ’yung minority leader. Kung hindi siya pipirma, pag-uusapan namin kung paano haharapin ang isang committee report na walang pirma o partisipasyon ng kahit isang miyembro ng minority sa Blue Ribbon Committee,” he said.

(There should be at least one minority member who signs the report, particularly the minority leader. If he does not sign, we will discuss how to deal with a committee report that has no signature or participation from any minority member of the Blue Ribbon Committee.)—MCG, GMA Integrated News