Romualdez to face ICI flood control probe

Leyte Representative and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez confirmed his attendance at the closed-door hearing of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), which is investigating alleged irregularities in government flood control projects.

Romualdez’s office said they received the official invitation from the ICI for the October 14 hearing, which will also include Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman and resigned Ako Bicol Representative Zaldy Co.

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In a statement, Romualdez said he is open to cooperating with the commission and supports its goal of promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance.

The names of Romualdez and Co surfaced in earlier congressional inquiries into the alleged misuse of billions in flood control funds, though both have denied involvement.

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Romualdez specifically dismissed allegations made by Curlee and Sarah Discaya, who claimed his name was used in supposed commissions or kickbacks related to project contracts. He emphasized that the accusations are baseless and that he has no connection to any irregular transactions.

The ICI hearing aims to determine the extent of the alleged fund anomalies and identify those responsible for potential corruption within public infrastructure projects.