Former House Speaker and Leyte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez is set to appear before the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) today, October 14, 2025, at 10 a.m., in connection with the Commission’s ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities in flood control projects and supposed budget insertions.
ICI Executive Director Atty. Brian Hosaka confirmed Romualdez’s attendance, along with Department of Budget and Management (DBM) officials led by Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, who are also expected to appear before the panel.
Hosaka also said the ICI will petition the Regional Trial Court (RTC) to cite former Rep. Zaldy Co in contempt should he fail to attend the hearing scheduled for tomorrow. If granted, the contempt order would pave the way for the issuance of an arrest warrant against the former lawmaker.
In a statement released on October 8, Romualdez assured full cooperation with the ICI proceedings and expressed support for its mandate to uphold integrity in government infrastructure programs.
“Rep. Romualdez welcomes the opportunity to cooperate with the Commission and fully supports its objective of promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance,” his office said.
Romualdez, who served as Speaker during the 19th and 20th Congress, is expected to answer questions regarding flood control and other infrastructure projects implemented under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
These include initiatives flagged by the Commission for possible anomalies and alleged “budget insertions” under the proposed 2025 national budget.
‘Demolition plot’ before hearing
An alleged orchestrated demolition attempt has reportedly emerged against Leyte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, a day before the former House Speaker is set to appear before the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI).
According to RH Milky Rigonan, House Deputy Speaker Ronaldo Puno raised questions over the timing of reports linking Romualdez to controversies surrounding farm-to-market road projects and flood control initiatives.
He suggested that the release of these reports appeared calculated to cast doubt on Romualdez’s integrity ahead of his voluntary attendance at the ICI hearing.
“I think the timing is unfortunate because the former Speaker is going to speak before the Independent Commission tomorrow, so it seems like there’s a little demolition going on here,” Puno said
Puno noted that tensions continue to rise amid the ongoing investigation into flood control projects and alleged budget insertions in the proposed 2025 national budget.
He said accountability must be established by tracing where the funds were allocated and how the projects were implemented.
He also emphasized that the infrastructure projects in Leyte under question had already undergone review by the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
While he acknowledged that scrutiny is part of due process, Puno underscored the need to verify the allegations through proper evaluation rather than speculation.
