Marcos Vows No Exemptions in ICI Probe, Even for Romualdez, Co

📷: Speaker Martin Romualdez

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. declared Monday that no political ally, including House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co, will be shielded from the Independent Commission for Infrastructure’s (ICI) investigation into ghost and anomalous flood control projects.

Pressed during a media briefing on whether his cousin Romualdez and other congressional allies would face scrutiny, Marcos responded bluntly:

“There’s only one way to prove it—they won’t be spared. Walang kinikilingan, walang tinutulungan. People won’t believe you unless you actually do it. So we will.”

Marcos emphasized that the ICI will operate independently of Malacañang.

“We won’t meddle in their work. We’ll ask for updates, yes—but we won’t dictate how they investigate. It’s up to them.”

He added that the commission had already proposed reforms to prevent future abuses in bidding and contracting, which the administration welcomed.

“We’re open to fixing the system. That’s the goal.”

Romualdez and Co were among those named by controversial contractor Curlee Discaya in a Senate hearing, alleging their involvement in corrupt practices tied to flood control projects. However, Discaya later clarified he had no direct dealings with either lawmaker.

Both Romualdez and Co have denied the allegations. Romualdez called the claims “false, malicious, and mere name-dropping,” while Co, former chair of the House appropriations committee, dismissed them as “baseless, irresponsible, and politically motivated.”

Co was previously listed as an incorporator of Sunwest Inc., one of the top flood control contractors in the Bicol Region, though he reportedly divested from the firm. (ZIA LUNA)