MANILA — Malacañang on Monday assured the public that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will not influence the Office of the Ombudsman as it prepares to pursue charges against former House Speaker and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez in connection with the alleged multibillion-peso flood control scandal.
Speaking at a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the President is allowing investigators to carry out their work without political interference, regardless of the identities of those involved.
According to Castro, Marcos has consistently directed authorities to pursue the truth based solely on available evidence since ordering an investigation into questionable flood control projects during his 2025 State of the Nation Address.
“The President’s position is clear. He will not intervene in the investigation. Whoever may be implicated, the evidence should determine the course of the case,” Castro said.
She added that the President would respect whatever findings and legal actions emerge from the ongoing investigation.
Castro also rejected accusations by ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio that the administration is selectively targeting certain personalities while sparing those allegedly responsible for planning the controversial projects.
Tinio had earlier questioned why the supposed masterminds behind the alleged irregularities have not yet been charged.
In response, Castro emphasized that investigators cannot file cases without sufficient evidence, stressing that constitutional guarantees of due process apply to everyone.
“It would be unfair to prosecute or imprison individuals simply to create the appearance that everyone is being held accountable if no evidence has been established against them,” she said.
The Palace official likewise pointed out that the investigation only began in the latter part of 2025 after President Marcos publicly denounced corruption in flood control projects during his SONA, where he delivered his widely quoted “Mahiya naman kayo” remark.
While acknowledging public impatience, Castro maintained that the Office of the Ombudsman and the Department of Justice have handled the case efficiently, noting that legal investigations require careful evidence gathering before charges can be filed.
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