The hallowed halls of the Philippine Senate and the newly formed Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) have become the epicenter of a political earthquake, as a multi-billion-peso flood control scandal continues to unravel. At the heart of this unfolding drama stands former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, whose highly anticipated appearance before the ICI has intensified calls for transparency and accountability, threatening to expose a complex web of alleged corruption that implicates other powerful figures, including Senator Chiz Escudero and former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co. The burning question on everyone’s mind: Did Romualdez’s testimony, in his fierce defense, inadvertently or deliberately “drop” damaging information on his perceived political rivals?

The controversy stems from allegations of massive budget insertions and kickbacks tied to vital flood control projects, a critical area for a nation frequently battered by typhoons. This scandal has led to parallel investigations in both the Senate and the House, and the creation of the ICI, tasked with independently probing government infrastructure projects over the past decade. The stakes are astronomically high, with an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO) already requested for numerous officials, including Romualdez, Escudero, and Co, to prevent their departure from the country amidst the escalating inquiry.

Martin Romualdez’s appearance before the ICI on October 14, 2025, was a pivotal moment, following weeks of intense speculation. He had earlier resigned as House Speaker amidst pressure from the ongoing flood control probe, a move interpreted by some as an attempt to distance himself or to prepare for a more direct confrontation with the allegations. Romualdez, a lawyer by profession, arrived at the ICI hearing with a clear strategy: to deny any involvement in receiving kickbacks and to emphasize his commitment to transparency and full cooperation. He maintained that he had “nothing to hide” and was willing to share “any and all information” to help the Commission uncover the truth. During his testimony, he was questioned about allegations that cash-filled bags were delivered to his residence as kickbacks, claims he firmly refuted, labeling them as “false, malicious, and nothing more than name-dropping”.

However, Romualdez’s defense was not without its own political undertones, particularly concerning Senator Chiz Escudero. The relationship between the two has been strained, especially since Escudero, during Senate hearings, had publicly criticized Romualdez and others, claiming they were involved in budget anomalies. Romualdez, in turn, called Escudero “unfair” for making “unfounded claims” that relied on mere “innuendo” rather than concrete evidence. He asserted that “rumors are not evidence, and defamation will never be justice”. Deputy Speaker Ronnie Puno, a staunch ally of Romualdez, further bolstered this narrative by publicly blaming Escudero and Zaldy Co for the 2025 budget mess, suggesting that Romualdez was largely uninvolved in the actual “budget maneuverings” where alleged insertions were made. This exchange indicates a political counter-narrative from Romualdez, subtly shifting blame and demanding an evidence-based approach, which would inherently challenge the accusations leveled by Escudero.

Senator Chiz Escudero, for his part, has also been drawn deep into the scandal. He was implicated in allegations of receiving campaign donations from a construction firm (Centerways Construction and Development) that subsequently won several flood control projects. Former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo also named Escudero during Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearings, linking him to alleged kickback schemes. Escudero has vehemently denied these accusations, calling them part of a “demolition job” aimed at discrediting him. He has also cautioned the public against “calculated diversions” designed to absolve Romualdez and muddle the investigation, emphasizing that the true issue lies in “ghost projects, substandard projects, and kickbacks” embedded in past budgets. Despite his denials, Escudero, like Romualdez, remains on the ICI’s lookout order, signifying the seriousness with which authorities are viewing the allegations against him.

A central and elusive figure in this entire saga is former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co. He has been widely identified as an “alleged mastermind” behind significant budget insertions and kickback schemes in flood control projects. Co, however, has been notably absent from ICI hearings, reportedly remaining abroad for medical treatment. His continued refusal to appear before the ICI has led to intensified efforts to compel his testimony, with the House Speaker confirming that assistance from the Department of Justice (DOJ) was sought to cancel Co’s passport. The ICI has even identified a potential “substitute” witness who could provide information on Co’s behalf if he continues to evade the subpoena. Co’s absence and the allegations against him paint a picture of a figure at the very nexus of the alleged corruption, making his testimony crucial to fully understanding the scope of the scandal.

The investigation is not merely a political spectacle; it is a critical examination of how public funds are allocated and managed. Romualdez’s testimony before the ICI helped clarify the national budget process and his role as House Speaker during that period. This insight is vital for the ICI as it seeks to pinpoint where alleged anomalies occurred and who should be held accountable. The ICI’s Executive Director, Attorney Bryan Hosaka, confirmed that Romualdez’s statements were “helpful” and that he did not implicate or blame anyone specific during his appearance. However, Hosaka also indicated that other individuals involved in the budget process would be invited to subsequent hearings, keeping the door open for further revelations.

The flood control scandal represents a significant test for the integrity of government institutions in the Philippines. The public’s demand for full accountability, irrespective of political affiliations or stature, is growing louder. The ICI, as an independent body, is under immense pressure to deliver credible findings and bring those responsible to justice. While Romualdez has vehemently denied his involvement and has seemingly used his ICI appearance to clear his name and challenge his accusers, the wider network of alleged corruption, involving figures like Escudero and Co, remains under intense scrutiny. The truth, in this intricate web of power and deceit, is still bleeding out, and the coming weeks and months will determine whether the Philippines can truly dismantle these deep-seated systems of malfeasance and restore public trust.