The case of former House Speaker Martin Romualdez has been referred by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to the Office of the Ombudsman for further investigation.

Dated 21 November, the referral stemmed from the ICI’s ongoing fact-finding probe into alleged irregularities in flood control projects. According to the document, the move was based on Romualdez’s personal appearance before the commission on 14 October as well as an affidavit he submitted a day earlier.

The ICI stressed it was not making any finding or conclusion of guilt. It said the referral was a procedural step that allows the Ombudsman — the constitutional body tasked with disciplining public officials — to conduct its own independent assessment.

“The Commission underscores that referring the matter at this stage is intended to permit the Honorable Office of the Ombudsman to promptly and immediately undertake its own fact-finding inquiry,” the document said.

The ICI transmitted several pieces of evidence, including Romualdez’s sworn affidavit, the official transcript and recording of his appearance, and a court order dated 24 October confirming that an affidavit submitted by another individual, Orly Regala Guteza, had been falsified.

The case has been forwarded to Ombudsman Jesus Crispin F for “appropriate and immediate action.”

The commission said it will continue its work and will transmit any further evidence to the Ombudsman as the investigation progresses.

Romualdez camps explains ICI action

The camp of Romualdez said Monday that the ICI referral to the Ombudsman —recommending plunder, graft and bribery charges — does not imply he committed any wrongdoing.

Romualdez’s lawyer, Atty. Ade Fajardo, stressed that the referral “was issued without any finding or conclusion of guilt or liability,” saying it merely forwards documents for further investigation.

“This clear statement reinforces our confidence in the commission’s impartiality and the Ombudsman’s constitutional authority to determine accountability,” Fajardo said.

He added that the referral even includes evidence presented by Romualdez himself, such as affidavits, transcripts, and a full audio-video recording of his voluntary appearance before the commission on 14 October.

ICI panel member Rogelio Singson and DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon filed the referrals on Friday, along with stacks of evidence against Romualdez and his former ally, Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy Co.

The filing came days after Co accused President Marcos Jr. of directing the insertion of P100 billion into the 2025 budget — 25 percent of which he claimed went to the President.

The ICI asked the Ombudsman to further probe the roles of Romualdez and Co in flood control projects, including whistleblower Orly Guteza’s testimony accusing the two of receiving kickbacks delivered to their Forbes Park and Valle Verde homes.

Fajardo said they respect the ICI’s move and trust the Ombudsman to conduct an independent and thorough review.

Romualdez earlier maintained there is no sworn statement or credible evidence tying him to irregularities. He cited his voluntary cooperation with the ICI and his continued presence in the country as proof of his “clear conscience.”