Leyte Cong. Martin Romualdez Asked ICI To Postpone Oct. 22 Hearing
ICI – The Independent Commission for Infrastructure confirmed the postponement of the Oct. 22 hearing due to former House Speaker Martin Romualdez’s “medical procedure”.
Amid the flood control mess in the Philippines which left countless Filipinos disappointed and angry, President Bongbong Marcos ordered the creation of an independent body armed with powers to probe the infrastructure projects of the government. The Chief Executive’s order led to the creation of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure.
The ICI is a three-member body that currently conducts closed-door hearings in line with its investigation of the flood control issue. It recently invited former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
The presidential cousin and Leyte Congressman is one of those who are tagged in the flood control issue in the country. Amid the accusation, he stepped down from the House speakership to allow the full investigation of the issue.
Controversial contractors Curlee and Sarah Discaya were the first ones to accuse Romualdez of allegedly receiving “kickbacks” from the flood control probe. They made the accusation during a Senate hearing. However, during a House hearing, Mr. Discaya admitted to not having a direct transaction with the then-Speaker.
Last October 14, former House Speaker Martin Romualdez appeared at the ICC probe. According to the Leyte Congressman, he will help for the fast resolution of the issue. He claimed that he will provide all the information he has in line with the matter.
The former House Speaker is supposedly set to return for a hearing on October 22. The independent body conducts closed-door hearings over the matter.
However, recently, the ICI confirmed that the Oct. 22 hearing is postponed after former House Speaker Martin Romualdez asked for it due to his “medical procedure”. Based on a report on ABS-CBN News, the independent body said they will issue an advisory “once a date for the next hearing has been determined”.
Previously, amid the presidential cousin being tagged in the issue, Malacañang was asked about the possibility that former House Speaker Martin Romualdez will be admitted as a state witness in the supposed multi-billion flood control mess.