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EJ Macababbad - The Philippine Star
March 25, 2026 | 12:00am
Speaker Martin Romualdez.
STAR / File
MANILA, Philippines — The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) has rebutted Tingog party-list Rep. Jude Acidre’s interpretation of one of its referrals in the flood control scandal.
“The referral did not make a determination of innocence or guilt on the part of former speaker Rep. Martin Romualdez,” the ICI pointed out.
An ombudsman probe into Romualdez’s supposed involvement in the flood control mess is being sought by the fact-finding body.
Acidre said yesterday that Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco misled the public with his claim that plunder charges have been recommended against Romualdez.
Citing the ICI’s referral, Acidre said, “There is no such recommendation. On the contrary, the ICI itself categorically stated: This Referral is issued without any finding or conclusion of guilt or liability on the part of former speaker Romualdez.”
However, the ICI criticized Acidre for “selectively quoting the referral” without providing full context.
In yesterday’s interview with “Storycon” on One News, Acidre reiterated that “there was no finding or conclusion of liability in the document.”
“It is up to the ombudsman to determine who is liable,” he said.
Romualdez’s innocence or guilt is not determined by the ICI referral.
Meanwhile, the Sandiganbayan has allowed former Bulacan public works engineer Henry Alcantara to testify in the malversation case of fugitive Zaldy Co and 15 others.
Alcantara, a state witness, is expected to testify against the former lawmaker and his co-accused involved in the P289.5-million substandard flood control project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro. — Daphne Galvez, Jose Rodel Clapano, Mark Ernest Villeza
