Tingog party-list Rep. Jude Acidre said the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) found no liability on the part of former House Speaker Martin Romualdez in connection with alleged flood control anomalies, citing a referral signed by retired Supreme Court justice Andres Reyes and submitted to the Office of the Ombudsman.
Acidre said the referral explicitly states it was issued “without any finding or conclusion of guilt or liability” against Romualdez, stressing that the wording comes directly from the Commission and describing the document as a referral for further investigation, not a finding of wrongdoing.
The ICI report cited by Acidre has not been made public. It remains unclear how a copy of the document was obtained ahead of its official release, even as it has already been transmitted to the Ombudsman. The full findings, scope, and supporting details of the Commission’s review have not been disclosed.
Acidre is part of the Tingog party-list, which is represented in the House by Yedda Marie Romualdez, the wife of Martin Romualdez. The party-list has been politically aligned with the former Speaker.
Acidre issued the statement as he rejected allegations raised by Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco, who claimed that lawmakers were influenced through financial assistance and project allocations in connection with the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte.
He challenged Tiangco to present names, documents, and sworn complaints, saying such claims must be backed by evidence. Acidre also said he was present during the discussions and signing of the first impeachment complaint and disputed Tiangco’s account.
Tiangco, for his part, questioned alleged budget insertions linked to the Tingog party-list, including nearly P6 billion worth of projects raised during bicameral deliberations on the 2025 General Appropriations Act. He also cited “For Later Release” (FLR) projects and raised concerns about their possible link to legislative decisions.
The ICI referral cited by Acidre states no liability on the part of Romualdez. The report, however, has not been publicly released, and the matter has been elevated to the Ombudsman for further review, with no final ruling issued.
