Representative Jude Acidre
TACLOBAN CITY — Tingog Party-list Representative Jude Acidre has come to the defense of former House Speaker, Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, saying it is unfair to draw conclusions based solely on speculation and unverified claims.
In an online interview, Acidre, who chairs the House committee on higher and technical education, called for sobriety amid allegations linking Romualdez to alleged irregularities in infrastructure projects, stressing that no credible evidence has yet been presented.
“There is no evidence that directly implicates Martin Romualdez in these controversies,” Acidre said on Friday, Nov.7. “It’s unfair for anyone to be judged based on mere speculation. It’s even possible that he had no knowledge of such matters. We should not make judgments without clear proof.”
The Tingog lawmaker underscored the importance of due process and urged the public to wait for verified findings before making assumptions. He also pointed to Romualdez’s record of public service, citing his leadership and contributions during his stint as Speaker of the House.
“Until there is factual evidence, people should withhold judgment. He has done so much for the country, especially during his time as Speaker,” Acidre added.
Romualdez has been accused of receiving kickbacks from alleged anomalous infrastructure deals. A Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing earlier featured a testimony from witness Orly Guteza, who claimed to have personally delivered suitcases of cash to Romualdez’s residence in McKinley Hill, Forbes Park, in December 2024.
The former Speaker has categorically denied the accusations, saying the claims were “fabricated and politically motivated.” He clarified that the property mentioned had been undergoing renovation since January 2024, and no other witnesses have come forward to support Guteza’s testimony.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
