Romualdez reiterates support for ICI as ex-SC Justice Reyes gets named chairman
At A Glance
- House Speaker Martin Romualdez reiterated his backing of the Palace-created Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI), even as he echoed President Marcos' statement that accountability should spare no one.
President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. (left), House Speaker Martin Romualdez (Facebook)
House Speaker Martin Romualdez reiterated his backing of the Palace-created Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI), even as he echoed President Marcos' statement that accountability should spare no one.
Romualdez had this to say Monday, Sept. 15 even as the Chief Executive named former Supreme Court (SC) Justice Andres Reyes Jr., as ICI chairman.
"I fully support President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s statement that no one is exempt from accountability. The House of Representatives has already embraced this principle in our work to uphold transparency and restore public trust," Romualdez said in a statement.
"The President has also reminded us against name-dropping and reckless accusations. I share this view. Investigations must be anchored on facts and evidence, not on rumor, innuendo, or hearsay. Only by focusing on the truth can we ensure both accountability and fairness," said the House leader.
Romualdez likewise reiterated his earlier statement that the House of Representatives won't coddle anybody in connection with flood control projects controversy.
"From the very start, I have made it clear: the House will not be a refuge for wrongdoing. Not even its own Members will be shielded if wrongdoing is proven. We will ensure that the process is fair, fact-based, and guided by the rule of law."
The Speaker said the Palace body is an opportunity to cleanse the system, "and the House is committed to cooperating fully".
"At the same time, our committees have already begun reviewing procurement safeguards and monitoring project implementation to plug loopholes and strengthen oversight. This issue is bigger than personalities. It is about safeguarding the people’s money and ensuring that every bridge, road, and flood control project truly serves the Filipino people," he said.
"The House will remain a co-equal partner of the President in building not just infrastructure, but also a Bagong Pilipinas anchored on accountability, honesty, and public trust," Romualdez added.