Romualdez Accused of Orchestrating Corruption Diversion to Senate

Sen. Chiz Escudero and Leyte 1^st District Rep. Martin Romualdez

Romualdez Accused of Orchestrating Corruption Diversion to Senate

By Bing Jabadan & Wilma Yamzon – TheNationWeek.Com | September 30, 2025

MANILA, Philippines – A heated political battle is unfolding in the country as Sen. Chiz Escudero accused Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez of masterminding a scheme to deflect blame in a widening flood control corruption scandal.

In a privilege speech delivered on Monday (Sept. 29, 2025), Escudero claimed that Romualdez is manipulating witness testimonies to shield allies in the House of Representatives and direct scrutiny toward members of the Senate.

Escudero said testimonies implicating senators in flood control corruption followed a carefully constructed “script designed by Romualdez.”

He noted that witnesses were “name-dropping” senators without providing concrete evidence of direct involvement, a tactic he believes aims to sway public opinion and divert attention from alleged wrongdoings within the lower chamber.

“Only one person is behind this charade,” Escudero said, referring to Romualdez.

He further criticized media outlets for allegedly failing to report Romualdez’s role in the flood control controversy.

The accusations come amid growing scrutiny of flood projects and infrastructure spending in the country.

Former Department of Public Works and Highways Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo testified before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee that Escudero received kickbacks from flood control projects.

Bernardo claimed to have personally delivered P160 million (approximately $2.8 million USD) to Maynard Ngu, a friend and campaign donor of Escudero, representing 20 percent of the value of government projects.

He added that Escudero was aware of the “dynamics” within the DPWH and requested allocations for himself.

Adding another layer of complexity, Escudero highlighted the testimony of Orly Guteza, who claimed to have delivered cash to Romualdez’s residence.

While Guteza’s credibility has been questioned due to a “falsified and unauthorized” affidavit, Escudero stressed that Guteza testified under oath.

The senator also lamented that some media outlets previously reported on his ties to contractors, including a significant campaign donation from Lawrence Lubiano, president of Centerways Construction and Development Inc.

Lubiano’s company is among those identified by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as having secured substantial government contracts.

Romualdez Denies Allegations

Romualdez dismissed Escudero’s accusations as a “Duterte Diehard Supporters script,” referring to recycled accusations previously circulated on social media.

He accused Escudero of attempting to align himself with Vice President Sara Duterte for political gain.

“What is truly being served is not the truth, but personal interest and political ambition,” Romualdez said.

Both Escudero and Romualdez have faced scrutiny and leadership changes within their respective chambers amid the ongoing probe into flood control projects.

Corruption Concerns, Political Rivalries

The accusations and counter-accusations have highlighted the deep-seated concerns about corruption within the Philippine government and the intense political rivalries that often play out in the public sphere.

The flood control scandal has implicated figures from both the Senate and the House of Representatives, raising questions about transparency and accountability in infrastructure spending.

It also underscores the complex political landscape in the Philippines, with shifting alliances and power struggles shaping the narrative.

The involvement of figures linked to both the Duterte and Marcos administrations adds further intrigue to the unfolding drama.

The ongoing investigation and the public accusations are likely to continue to dominate the political scene.