President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. does not feel alluded to by the “command responsibility” remarks of former House Speaker and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, and has declined to comment on the latter’s “scapegoat” claim in connection with alleged anomalies in flood control projects.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said on Thursday that Malacañang would not speak on Romualdez’s personal sentiments but reiterated the President’s commitment to hold those involved in corruption accountable.
“Kung ano po ang nararamdaman ni dating Speaker Martin Romualdez ay hindi po natin ito saklaw. Kung ang pag-iimbestiga po ay makakatulong mismo ang dating Speaker, mas gugustuhin po iyan ng pamahalaan, ng Pangulo para managot ang dapat na managot,” she said.
Castro added that the President does not believe Romualdez’s remarks were directed at him, particularly the statement that command responsibility lies with the executive branch.
“Hindi ganoon ang tingin ng Pangulo,” she said, noting that Marcos himself ordered the investigation into alleged anomalies in flood control and other infrastructure projects over the past decade.
She clarified that the term “executive” does not refer solely to the President but to all officials within the executive branch.
“Kapag sinabi nating executive, hindi lamang po ang Pangulo ang nasa executive,” she said.
Castro also emphasized that Marcos created an independent investigating committee to probe the alleged anomalies, including those involving his administration, to prevent any perception of a cover-up, particularly in the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
Romualdez, a cousin of the President, is facing complaints for plunder, graft, indirect bribery, and money laundering in connection with alleged budget insertions tied to anomalous flood control projects.
He has denied the allegations and said he should not be made a scapegoat.
Meanwhile, Castro said the government is hopeful that the visit of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla to the Czech Republic will lead to the return of resigned Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co to Manila in connection with the same controversy.
“Ang magiging aksiyon ng ating bansa ay depende sa anumang mapagkakasunduan with Czech Republic at kung ano ang magiging paraan sa pagpapabalik kay Zaldy Co,” she said.
She added that while the administration is confident of Co’s return, coordination with another country is involved, and it would be best to await the outcome of Remulla’s trip.
“So let us just hope na maibalik agad si Zaldy Co dito sa ating bansa,” she said.
Co was stopped at the German border after entering from the Czech Republic and remains in custody.
He and several others face graft and malversation charges before the Sandiganbayan in connection with alleged flood control anomalies in Mindoro.