Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon on Friday defended the basis for the recommended charges against former House Speaker Martin Romualdez and former Ako Bicol representative Zaldy Co, saying investigators relied on sworn testimony and factual findings.

RH Jecelle Ricafort reported that, according to Dizon, the testimony from whistleblower Orly Guteza, presented before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, formed part of the evidence linking the two former lawmakers to alleged kickbacks from flood control projects.

“Kabilang sa mga pinagbatayan sa rekomendasyong kasuhan sina dating House Speaker Martin Romualdez at dating Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co ang testimonya ni Orly Guteza sa Senate Blue Ribbon Committee,” investigators earlier noted.

Speaking to reporters in Makati City, Dizon said there was a “connection” identified between the lawmakers and alleged payoffs.

“Noong naging speaker si former speaker Martin Romualdez, ang naging Committee on Appropriations head ay si Cong. Zaldy Co. Ito naman ay factual,” he said.

“Pero meron ding mga testimonya, specifically ’yong testimonya ni Sgt. [Orly] Guteza na nagpo-provide ng testimonial evidence as to pay-offs that were made to both former speaker Martin Romualdez and former congressman Zaldy Co,” Dizon added.

Dizon said this evidence prompted the recommendation to file direct bribery complaints.

“Kasi ang direct bribery ay may kapalit ’yon, ibig sabihin para makakuha ng kontrata ang isang contractor meron siyang ibinibigay na kick-back,” he said. “Para sa mga abogado ng both DPWH at ICI, sworn testimony ’yon.”

He also noted that Co chaired the House Committee on Appropriations during Romualdez’s speakership, a detail he described as “factual.” Dizon stressed that the findings were solid.

Earlier on the same day, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Co and Romualdez could face charges — including plunder, anti-graft offenses, or indirect bribery — pending the evaluation of the Office of the Ombudsman.