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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'Ebidensya muna bago kaso': Ortega applauds PBBM's position on Romualdez

'Ebidensya muna bago kaso': Ortega applauds PBBM's position on Romualdez

Published Nov 13, 2025 05:21 pm

At A Glance

  • House Deputy Speaker La Union 1st district Rep. Paolo Ortega echoed President Marcos' reminder on Thursday, Nov. 13 that the filing of charges in connection with the flood control projects controversy must be evidence-based.
La Union 1st district Rep. Paolo Ortega (left), Leyte 1st district Rep. Martin Romualdez MANILA BULLETIN, PPAB)
La Union 1st district Rep. Paolo Ortega (left), Leyte 1st district Rep. Martin Romualdez MANILA BULLETIN, PPAB)


House Deputy Speaker La Union 1st district Rep. Paolo Ortega echoed President Marcos' reminder on Thursday, Nov. 13 that the filing of charges in connection with the flood control projects controversy must be evidence-based.
“The President reminded everyone of a basic principle: cases must be filed on evidence, not on noise. That standard applies to all who are being mentioned in this issue. It is a timely reminder at a moment when accusations are circulating without documents or testimony to support them,” Ortega said.
Ortega was reacting to President Marcos' statement Thursday that, as far as he's concerned, there has been zero proof of Leyte 1st district Rep. Martin Romualdez's alleged part in the corruption scandal.
Romualdez--Marcos' cousin--was overwhelmingly elected House Speaker in the current 20th Congress. However, he resigned from his post last Sept. 17 to give the Independent Commission for Infrastructure the leeway it needed to investigate House members involved in anomalous flood control projects.
Romualdez has denied any involvement--especially the pocketing of kickbacks--from such projects.
Ortega stressed that the President’s position should guide the public as agencies continue their review.
In the case of Romualdez, the deputy speaker noted that ICI records consistently showed no paper trail, no transaction, and no testimony linking him to any questionable project.
“Former Speaker Romualdez has already faced the ICI under oath. He submitted documents, answered every question, and made himself fully accountable. The agencies handling the review have full access to the records, and none points to his involvement,” Ortega said.
President Marcos said on Thursday: "We don't file cases for optics."
Ortega says this approach—“provide evidence and we will file cases”—is the proper way to ensure accountability without weaponizing allegations.
“This is how institutions maintain credibility. Public service demands fairness. We cannot destroy reputations based on innuendo. We owe the public a process that is sober, factual, and rooted in due process,” the Ilocano said.
Ortega went on to reaffirm the House leadership’s full support for the administration’s reform agenda.
“We share the President’s commitment to safeguard public funds and strengthen oversight mechanisms,” Ortega said.
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