The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) on Tuesday denied protecting former House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez from scrutiny in the investigation into the alleged kickback scheme in public works projects.

ICI Executive Director Brian Hosaka assured the public that Romualdez is not being shielded or given a free pass, stressing that the commission’s submission of documents and evidence to the Office of the Ombudsman disproves claims of preferential treatment.

Hosaka said criticism arose after the ICI recommended further investigation to the Ombudsman without making conclusive findings on Romualdez’s supposed involvement.

“It is not like that and not happening since it is precisely they submitted documents and evidence to the Ombudsman to help them in their investigation regarding this matter against former Speaker Romualdez,” Hosaka said, acknowledging public perception that the former Speaker is benefitting from protection.

The commission on Monday transmitted its findings to the Ombudsman “for further investigation,” clarifying that the referral was “issued without any finding or conclusion of guilt or liability on him.”

The ICI has also been criticized for declining to make public its proceedings and to disclose details from Romualdez’s appearance before the panel.

Reports last week surfaced that the ICI and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) had recommended the filing of plunder, graft, and bribery charges against Romualdez and former Ako Bicol Representative Zaldy Co. Hosaka reiterated that the commission is still gathering evidence.

He noted that the submission of documents to the Ombudsman will enable a “complete investigation,” adding that the move may assist the Ombudsman’s probe.

The former Speaker was linked to the flood control controversy before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee by former security aide Orly Guteza, who claimed he personally delivered suitcases containing billions of pesos to the residences of Romualdez and Co. Romualdez has since denied the allegations.

Hosaka said the Philippine National Police submitted to the ICI on Monday 95 boxes of evidence relating to 28 alleged ghost flood control projects, which will be used for case buildup.

A total of 421 suspected ghost projects is being investigated by the ICI, with probers currently focused on the top 15 contractors previously flagged by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.