LANAO del Sur 1st District Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong on Monday welcomed Senate Blue Ribbon Committee chair Panfilo Lacson’s statement that there is no evidence linking former House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez to the flood control controversy, stressing that investigations must be based on facts and due process.
Adiong said Lacson’s remarks serve as a reminder that allegations should be supported by evidence, sworn statements, and documents before conclusions are drawn.
“Without factual proof, affidavits, or documentation, there is nothing to pursue. Investigations should not be driven by rumors or political pressure,” Adiong said in a statement.
Lacson earlier said in a radio interview that while Romualdez’s name had been mentioned in the controversy, there was no solid evidence to justify action by the Senate committee.
He noted that only one individual, Orly Guteza, had made claims implicating Romualdez, but these were not substantiated and were never affirmed under oath before the Department of Justice, the Office of the Ombudsman, or the Independent Commission for Infrastructure.
Adiong said the absence of sworn testimony weakens any allegation.
“When a witness fails to appear and does not execute an affidavit, a case cannot simply be created,” he said, adding that public officials deserve fairness like any other citizen.
Deputy Speaker Ronaldo Puno echoed Adiong’s position, saying Lacson’s statement highlights the need for evidence-based accountability. He stressed that Senate investigations should not proceed on speculation or political pressure.
Also, Deputy Speaker Paolo Ortega V of La Union urged critics to stop the political noise following Lacson’s clarification.
He said accountability is important but must be anchored on proof, not unverified claims.
All three lawmakers called on the public to allow institutions to perform their duties objectively and without partisan interference, emphasizing that serious issues should not be turned into political theater.
