Former Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Silvestre Bello III has linked former House Speaker Martin Romualdez and former House Committee on Appropriations acting chairperson Stella Quimbo to alleged anomalies in flood control projects.

In an interview, Bello said that in his view, investigations should not be limited to contractors and certain officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), but should also include leaders of Congress who may have been involved in the approval and allocation of funds for the projects, RH Boy Gonzales reported.

Bello stressed the need to examine the source and flow of funds allocated to the flood control initiatives, noting that scrutiny of budget allocations is crucial in determining accountability.

He further expressed the opinion that Malacañang may also bear responsibility in connection with the alleged manipulation of the national budget tied to the projects.

Quimbo previously served as a member of the bicameral conference committee and as chairperson of the House Committee on Appropriations, positions that play a key role in the finalization of the national budget.

As of this writing, Romualdez and Quimbo have not issued any statements in response to Bello’s allegations. The claims remain accusations and have not been proven.