MANILA, Philippines – Hindi pa magsasampa ng reklamo si Speaker at Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez laban sa mga indibidwal na nagdadawit sa kanya sa maanomalyang flood control projects, ayon kay Surigao del Norte Rep. Ace Barbers.
“I don’t think that [filing charges] is being considered right now, although we respect the other members of the House who said they will file charges against the Discaya couple who linked them to the flood control mess without presenting evidence,” sinabi ni Barbers, chief communications officer ni Romualdez sa panayam ng GMA News.
Ani Barbers, bagamat iniuugnay si Romualdez sa maanomalyang flood control projects, mismong si Curlee Discaya ang nagsabing hindi niya personal na naka-transaksyon ang Speaker.
“Up to now, the allegations are hearsay. Mr. Discaya himself said he did not have a direct transaction with the Speaker,” ipinunto ni Barbers.
Nauna nang itinanggi ni Barbers ang ipinaparating ni Dasmariñas Rep. Francisco “Kiko” Barzaga na sangkot si Romualdez sa pagpapatupad ng flood control projects sa Dasmariñas nang si Romualdez ang nagsilbing caretaker ng distrito kasunod ng pagkamatay ng ama ni Kiko na si dating Dasmarinas Rep. Elpidio Barzaga.
Nanawagan si Barbers kay Barzaga na magpakita ng ebidensya sa mga alegasyon nito.
“We appeal to him to show evidence, and he is free to seek an audience with the Speaker to resolve issues he might have been harboring,” dagdag pa ng mambabatas.
Samantala, kinontra rin ni Barbers ang panawagan ni Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco para sa umano’y “overhaul” sa liderato ng Kamara.
“Rep. Tiangco’s statements are nothing more than the voice of frustration. Neither he nor Rep. Albee Benitez [of Bacolod City] was even nominated for Speaker. Not a single member of the House cast a vote in their favor. That reality speaks louder than today’s rhetoric,” dagdag ni Barbers.
“All party leaders remain firmly committed to the supermajority coalition under the leadership of Speaker Romualdez. Allegations raised against him and other lawmakers regarding flood control projects are baseless, without evidence, and sourced from polluted origins. The Speaker has categorically denied these accusations and has repeatedly stated that anyone proven guilty of wrongdoing will never be shielded by his leadership.” RNT/JGC
