Manila 3rd district Rep. Joel Chua slammed on Sunday, Jan. 26 what he described as "trial by headline" when it comes to the issue on anomalous infrastructure projects, particularly flood control works.

Chua, a lawyer, said public proceedings should focus on establishing facts and improving accountability, rather than repeating allegations that are not supported by documents or sworn testimony.

“Repeating a claim does not strengthen it—evidence does,” said Chua, chairman of the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability.

He said the same standard should apply to allegations involving former House Speaker Leyte 1st district Rep. Martin Romualdez, who according to him had consistently submitted himself to scrutiny.

Chua maintained that claims against Romualdez should be assessed based on proof. “Due process protects the innocent as much as it punishes the guilty,” he said.

In this regard, the Manila solon thanked Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo "Ping" Lacson, chairman of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, for acknowledging recently that there was not enough evidence to implicate Romualdez in the flood control projects controversy.

“Lacson himself said there is no enough evidence. That is a factual statement,” underscored the ranking congressman.

Chua cautioned against naming individuals in public forums in the absence of proof. “If evidence exists, present it. If none exists, stop naming people."

Rather than repeating baseless accusations, the Manila solon said discussions on the flood control projects mess should now concentrate on strengthening systems, safeguards, and implementation.

“Flood-control issues should be resolved through reforms, not scapegoating,” Chua said.

Last year, Romualdez submitted himself to the investigation of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), which was looking into the multi-billion peso controversy.

During a recent blue ribbon panel hearing, two witnesses identified as staff of a former tenant of a South Forbes Park, Makati City property claimed that Pacifico "Curlee" Discaya introduced himself to them as a contractor.

Allegedly, Discaya--a key personality in the flood control projects corruprion scandal--identified Romualdez as the alleged buyer of the posh property, and asked occupants to vacate the premises.

As of the hearing, no deed of sale, contract, or payment record bearing Romualdez’s name had been presented before the committee. Records cited also showed that Romualdez was not the tenant, owner, or a party to any transaction involving the property.

The Senate inquiry stemmed from a dispute over a lease that was not renewed.

Lacson went on record ro say that the witnesses’ information was not enough to implicate the former Speaker, especially after Discaya denied the allegations under oath.