The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) announced on Saturday 18 October 2025, that former House of Representative speaker, Ferdinand Martin Romualdez requested to postpone his upcoming hearing.
Romualdez was set to face the ICI for a second time on 22 October 2025, however the commission stated that due to his schedule to undergo a medical procedure, the Leyte’s first district reprsentative has requested for a postponement.
Last 14 October 2025, Romualdez first appeared in ICI after he was invited to discuss his knowledge as the House Speaker in the National Budget and his alleged connection to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) flood control projects.
ICI Executive Director Brian Hosaka said on Thursday that the panel asked Romualdez regarding the allegations, particularly claims that he receives kickbacks from infrastructure projects. According to Hosaka, the congressman has denied these allegations.
“I have nothing to hide and nothing should be hidden. I came here to help reveal the truth,” Romualdez said on Thursday to the ICI panel.
Romualdez left his position as house speaker last 17 September 2025, after being involved in the “ghost” projects, stating that he resigned with a clear conscience and let ICI pursue its investigation freely without doubt and undue influence.
The ICI has yet to announce if the request will be granted. Additionally, the commission will issue an advisory once the date for the next hearing has been finalized.
