Several House members on Monday welcomed remarks by Senate Blue Ribbon Committee chair and Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson that there is no evidence linking former House Speaker Martin Romualdez to the flood control controversy, saying the statement underscored the importance of due process.

Lanao del Sur 1st District Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong said Lacson’s remarks highlighted the standard that allegations must be supported by evidence, sworn statements, and proper documentation.

“This reinforces what should be obvious in any serious inquiry—without factual evidence, sworn statements, and documents, there is nothing to pursue,” Adiong said.

“Critics should stop the political noise and pressure tactics. Investigations are not trial by rumor,” he added.

In a radio interview on Sunday, Lacson said there is no solid evidence linking Romualdez to the controversy, stressing that the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee cannot act without firm proof.

“Actually, Speaker Romualdez was being mentioned, but the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee cannot do anything because, as I said, wherever the evidence leads us that’s where we will go,” Lacson said in Filipino.

Lacson said no witness has directly implicated Romualdez, except for Orly Guteza, whose testimony has not been substantiated. He added that the supposed witness failed to appear before the Department of Justice, the Office of the Ombudsman, or the Independent Commission on Infrastructure to affirm his claims under oath.

“The problem is, he appeared once and then banished like a bubble. In fact he’s still missing to this day,” Lacson said.

Adiong said the context of the remarks matters and that public officials are entitled to the same fairness accorded to ordinary citizens.

“When a witness disappears and no sworn affirmation follows, you cannot manufacture a case,” he said. “Public officials deserve the same fairness expected of any citizen.”

Deputy Speaker and Antipolo Rep. Ronaldo Puno also backed Lacson’s statement, dismissing rumors that pressure had been exerted on the senator, including claims of interference from Malacañang.

“Senator Lacson categorically rejected those allegations and those of us who know him can confirm that pressure would not work on him,” Puno said.

Puno urged all sides to allow investigations to proceed objectively, including inquiries involving incumbent senators, and without partisan motives.

“Public discourse should be guided by evidence and fairness,” he said. “When there is no proof, everyone should stop turning serious issues into political theater.”

Deputy Speaker Paolo Ortega likewise called on critics to stop political pressure and noise, stressing that investigations such as those conducted by the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee must be guided by sworn statements and documents, not insinuations.

“Accountability is important, but it cannot be built on rumors or unsubstantiated claims,” Ortega said.

“In the absence of affidavits and documentation, the responsible course is to stop the noise and allow institutions to do their work,” he added.

Ortega said Lacson’s position reflects how investigations “should be conducted”—calmly, independently, and anchored on evidence—warning that continued political attacks despite the lack of proof only undermine public trust.

“Let evidence speak. If there is none, then it is time to stop politicizing the issue and move forward,” Ortega said.