Former House Speaker and Leyte Representative Martin Romualdez refuted claims that he received kickbacks from the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) infrastructure projects.

In a statement on Thursday, September 25, Romualdez said he was “deeply surprised” to hear the allegation against him before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing. During which, Orly Guteza, Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Zaldy Co’s former security aide, claimed that the lawmaker received kickbacks from government projects related to the flood control scandal.

Romualdez disputed the claims, saying it is an outright and “complete fabrication” and a desperate attempt to link him to the supposed kickbacks.

According to his statement, “The most telling flaw is the witness’ claim that deliveries were made to McKinley beginning December 2024. Impossible iyan. That property has been under renovation since January 2024 and was unoccupied except for construction workers.”

He added, “Falsus in uno, falsus in omnibus—false in one thing, false in everything.”

“This is clearly political and the product of coaching. I will not allow these perjurious statements to pass unchallenged. Hindi ko ito palalampasin,” he continued.

Reiterating his statement, Romauldez said he had never received or benefited from kickbacks in any infrastructure project. Moreover, he said that he never authorized, instructed, or allowed anyone to engage in any conduct that betrays the people or taints his name.

With this, the former House Speaker said he welcomes a fair, transparent, and impartial investigation to expose the said allegations. When he resigned from his position, Romualdez said it was to demonstrate his full support for the inquiry into the flood control issues.

“I remained silent out of respect for the process, but now that my name has been maliciously dragged into this controversy, I will fight back — not with rhetoric, but with evidence. Kahit kailan, hindi ako nagnakaw ng pondo ng bayan. Hindi ko kailangan ang perang galing sa masama,” he wrote.

Ending his statement, he called on Filipinos, assuring them that, “I will never betray your trust.”

During the hearing, Guteza alleged that he was assigned to carry and deliver suitcases containing “basura,” a term used to describe large amounts of money, which totaled approximately ₱48 million each. The said amount was delivered to locations such as Romualdez and Co’s residence.