Malacañang said President Marcos does not feel alluded to by former House Speaker Martin Romualdez's criticism of corruption in the administration. It maintained that Marcos himself ordered the probe into questionable flood control projects. The Sandiganbayan also issued a hold departure order against Romualdez.
MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang stated that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. does not view former House Speaker Martin Romualdez's slamming of corruption in the administration as referring to him.
"The President does not view it that way. In 2025, he saw that there were anomalies, so he ordered an investigation," Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said at a press briefing. She noted that Romualdez's statement focused on "implementation on the ground," which is why DPWH officials are under probe.
Castro explained that command responsibility led Marcos to order the investigation. "It was not neglected, there was no coverup," she said. Regarding Romualdez's refusal to be the "fall guy," she was unsure of his meaning but urged him to assist the probe.
The Sandiganbayan Seventh Division issued a precautionary hold departure order against Romualdez at the Ombudsman’s request, as it investigates him for money laundering, plunder, and bribery. His counsel, Ade Fajardo, affirmed Romualdez remains in the Philippines with no intent to flee.
