Rep. Martin Romualdez Denies Allegations of Kickbacks in Senate Blue Ribbon Hearing

Leyte 1st district Representative Martin Romualdez firmly rejected allegations made against him during a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing, labeling the accusations as "outright and complete fabrications." In a statement released Thursday afternoon, Sept. 25, Romualdez criticized the testimony of Orly Guteza, who was presented as a witness by Senator Rodante Marcoleta.

Romualdez expressed his surprise over the claims that several suitcases containing money were delivered to a residence linked to him. "The so-called testimony of Sen. Marcoleta’s witness is nothing but a desperate attempt to tie me to alleged kickbacks where none exist," he said, emphasizing the forced nature of the accusations with "Pilit na pilit."

Guteza, reportedly a former security consultant to Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, alleged during the hearing that he personally delivered luggage filled with cash—alleged kickbacks related to flood control projects—to Romualdez’s address at 42 McKinley Street, Taguig City.

Romualdez refuted this, pointing out a critical flaw in the witness’s timeline. "The claim that deliveries were made starting December 2024 is impossible," he stated, noting that the property was under renovation since January 2024 and unoccupied except for construction workers. "Falsus in uno, falsus in omnibus—false in one thing, false in everything," he added.

Describing the allegations as politically motivated and coached, Romualdez vowed to challenge the "perjurious statements," declaring, "Hindi ko ito palalampasin (I will not let this pass)."

He reiterated his innocence, stating, "I have never received or benefited from kickbacks related to any infrastructure project, nor have I authorized or condoned any actions that would betray public trust or damage my reputation."

The session on Thursday was part of the ongoing Senate investigation into corruption linked to flood control projects. Romualdez resigned as House Speaker on Sept. 17 amid increasing scrutiny of various lawmakers involved in the scandal.

Expressing support for a transparent investigation, Romualdez said, "I voluntarily stepped down to demonstrate my full cooperation with the inquiry. Though I remained silent initially out of respect for the process, now that my name has been maliciously implicated, I will respond—not with rhetoric, but with concrete evidence."

Concluding his statement, he affirmed, "Never have I stolen public funds. I have no need for money acquired through illicit means."