Malacañang on Thursday assured that government investigations into alleged flood control project anomalies will proceed uninterrupted despite the recantation of retired Marine Orly Guteza, who previously claimed to have delivered cash to Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stated that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is aware of reports that Guteza withdrew his earlier testimony and now alleges he was coerced into making the claims against Romualdez.
Castro noted that the President did not react to the recantation, maintaining his position that the rule of law must prevail and that appropriate charges should be filed if supported by evidence.
She emphasized that both the Office of the Ombudsman and the Department of Justice are continuing their respective inquiries into the alleged flood control irregularities, adding that the Senate has already transmitted its gathered evidence and documents to the Ombudsman.
The Palace reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to holding accountable any individuals found responsible for project irregularities.
Marcos initially highlighted concerns over ghost and anomalous flood control projects during his 2025 State of the Nation Address, subsequently ordering a comprehensive review and investigation of government infrastructure projects implemented over the past decade, starting with flood control initiatives.