By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA, Philippines — Former House Speaker and Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Monday said he is ready to face any investigation and maintained that he has committed no violation of the law, following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s declaration in his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) that no individual would receive special treatment under his administration.
In a statement released after the President’s address, Romualdez said he respects Marcos’ position and believes that any issue should be resolved through the proper legal process.
“I respect the President’s statement. I have never sought any favor or special treatment,” Romualdez said.
“The proper course is to follow due process and allow the evidence to speak. I believe I have done nothing unlawful, and I am prepared to prove it,” he added.
While Marcos did not directly identify individuals in his remarks on accountability, he emphasized that the rule of law must prevail and that government actions should be guided by fairness and justice.
Romualdez’s statement came hours after the President delivered his SONA before a joint session of Congress at the Batasang Pambansa.
The former Speaker was not present during the opening of the Second Regular Session of the 20th Congress earlier in the day and was likewise absent during the President’s address, according to information from his office.
No explanation for his absence was immediately made public.
His statement is expected to form part of the continuing political discussions following the President’s address, as attention shifts to developments involving issues of accountability and governance raised during SONA 2026.
ia/xf
