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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Romualdez gracious despite Marcos' SONA gut punch; says he never asked for favors

Romualdez gracious despite Marcos' SONA gut punch; says he never asked for favors

Published Jul 27, 2026 06:14 pm

At A Glance

  • Former Speaker Martin Romualdez responds to President Marcos' SONA remarks by respecting his cousin's statement, saying he never sought favors or special treatment.
  • Marcos alludes to Ombudsman findings that multiple cases against Romualdez are near, stressing his duty is to the Filipino people rather than family or friends.
  • Romualdez insists he has done nothing illegal, pledges to follow due process, and says he is ready to prove his innocence in the flood control projects scandal.
Leyte 1st district Rep. Martin Romualdez (left), President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. (PPAB, Facebook)
Leyte 1st district Rep. Martin Romualdez (left), President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. (PPAB, Facebook)


Former House Speaker Leyte 1st district Rep. Martin Romualdez gave the most gracious response to the seeming gut punch delivered by his own cousin, President Marcos, in the latter's State of the Nation Address (SONA).
"Masakit man ito sa aming pamilya, iginagalang ko ang naging pahayag ng Pangulo. Hindi ako kailanman humingi ng pabor o espesyal na pagtrato," Romualdez said in a statement on late Monday afternoon, July 27, just seconds after the President concluded his speech.
(Even though this is painful for our family, I respect the statement of the President. I never asked for favors or special treatment.I agree that we must do what is right.)
Romualdez--once upon a time Marcos' tightest and most important political ally--is reportedly the subject of a preliminary investigation by the Office of the Ombudsman for possible plunder charges in connection with the flood control projects corruption scandal.
A forlorn-looking Marcos alluded to this in the first salvo of his speech Monday. He didn't mention any other personality linked to the controversy.
"At dumating na tayo sa punto na ayon sa Ombudsman ay malapit na ang paghahain ng patung-patong na kaso laban sa dating Speaker. Masakit man sa akin ito ngunit kailangan nating gawin ang tama. Hindi ako Pangulo ng aking pamilya, hindi ako Pangulo ng aking kaibigan. Ako ay Pangulo ng Pilipinas. At ang tungkulin ko ay sa inyo, ang aking mga kapwa Pilipino," Marcos said in what could be the SONA's signature quote.
(At this point, according to the Ombudsman, the filing of multiple cases against the former Speaker is near. Even though this is painful for me, we need to do what is right. I am not the President of my family, I am not the President of my friends. I am the President of the Philippines. And my duty is to you, my fellow Filipinos.)
To this, the two-time former Speaker and current Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) president said, "Sang-ayon ako na gawin natin ang tama."
(I agree that we must do the right thing.)
"Ang tama ay ang sumunod sa proseso at hayaan ang ebidensya ang magsalita. Naninindigan akong wala akong ginawang anumang labag sa batas. At handa akong patunayan ito. Maraming salamat," Romualdez said.
(What is right is to follow the process and let the evidence speak. I stand firm that I have not done anything against the law. And I am ready to prove it. Thank you very much.).
The Leyte lawmaker--who was visibly not present in House plenary during the speech--has consistently claimed innocence from any wrongdoing in the flood control projects mess.
Romualdez has repeatedly said that he was ready to face any charges that the Ombudsman might pursue against him.

Related Tags

SONA MARTIN ROMUALDEZ PBBM Marcos Ombudsman
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