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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Ortega says there should be no more 'trial by publicity' vs Romualdez

Ortega says there should be no more 'trial by publicity' vs Romualdez

Published Jan 12, 2026 11:37 pm

At A Glance

  • Senate Blue Ribbon Committee Chairman Panfilo "Ping" Lacson's remarks about former House Speaker Leyte 1st district Rep. Martin Romualdez should once and for all put an end to the "trial by publicity" against the latter.
La Union 1st district Rep. Paolo Ortega V (left), Leyte 1st district Rep. Martin Romualdez (PPAB)
La Union 1st district Rep. Paolo Ortega V (left), Leyte 1st district Rep. Martin Romualdez (PPAB)


Senate Blue Ribbon Committee Chairman Panfilo “Ping” Lacson's remarks about former House Speaker Leyte 1st district Rep. Martin Romualdez should once and for all put an end to the "trial by publicity" against the latter.
Thus, said House Deputy Speaker La Union 1st district Rep. Paolo Ortega V on Monday, Jan. 12, amid the continued public discourse on the flood control projects corruption scandal.
Lacson, Senate President Pro Tempore, had declared that there was no evidence linking former Romualdez to the flood control projects mess.
“Senator Lacson was clear: the Senate can only follow where the evidence leads. If there is no evidence, there should be no political pressure, no manufactured outrage, and no trial by publicity,” Ortega said.
Lacson’s remarks was practically a reiteration of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure's (ICI) earlier findings about Romualdez. The ICI said that it found no conclusion of guilt or liability on the part of the former Speaker.
Lacson pointed out that no witness has directly implicated Romualdez, except for Orly Guteza, whose testimony remains unsubstantiated.
The Senate President Pro Tempore noted that Guteza failed to appear before the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Office of the Ombudsman, or the ICI to formally affirm his claims under oath. This raised serious doubts about the credibility and legal weight of the accusations.
Ortega stressed that investigations—especially those conducted by the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee—must be guided by sworn statements, documents, and verifiable proof, not insinuations.
“Accountability is important, but it cannot be built on rumors or unsubstantiated claims,” the House leader said. “In the absence of affidavits and documentation, the responsible course is to stop the noise and allow institutions to do their work.”
Ortega said Lacson’s position reinforces due process and institutional independence. He also cited the senator’s categorical statement that neither he nor Malacañang blocked any inquiry and that pressure, even if attempted, would not influence the committee.
“That is how investigations should be conducted—calmly, independently, and anchored on evidence,” the La Union solon said.
Romualdez is the president of the dominant Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) party.
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