Former House Speaker Martin Romualdez on has maintained that his conscience remains clear following allegations made by former Ako Bicol Representative Zaldy Co regarding supposed anomalies in flood control projects and the budget insertions.

“My conscience remains clear. Throughout this inquiry, no public official, contractor, or witness has pointed to any wrongdoing on my part,” Romualdez said on Saturday, November 16.

In a video released on Friday, Co accused President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., former House Speaker, Romualdez, and several cabinet members of orchestrating P100 billion budget insertions at the bicameral level.

The Leyte 1st District lawmaker declined to comment in detail on Co’s recent statements, noting that the allegations were made outside of an official oath and “do not hold water in the court of law.”

Romualdez expressed trust in the proper investigative bodies, including the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), the Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Ombudsman, saying he is prepared to cooperate with any lawful investigation.

“I continue to trust the ICI, the DOJ, and the Ombudsman to evaluate all statements fairly and strictly on the basis of evidence,” he added.

The controversy follows the release of the second part of a video message by Co, in which he presented photos of suitcases allegedly containing cash supporting the narrative of retired Marine serviceman Orly Guteza, who earlier testified before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, alleging that he personally delivered bags of cash to Co and Romualdez.

The resigned congressman claimed these were delivered to the residences of Marcos and Romualdez in North Forbes Park, South Forbes Park, and Malacañang.

“The deliveries are documented by my staff. It is true, as Orly Guteza said, that he delivered to Forbes Park. It is also true that he delivered to Malacañang while I was in the Senate,” Co said in the video statement.

In response, Romualdez denied all allegations made by Co and reiterated his commitment to cooperate with lawful investigations.

“I am confident that the truth will emerge through the proper institutions,” he said.

Co further alleged that all orders related to the P100-billion insertion in the national budget went to the President and Romualdez. He also denied that he benefited from the alleged flood control project insertions in the national budget.