Why Romualdez, Co, other House members invited to Senate flood control hearing are a no-show

Martin Romualdez, Zaldy Co, and other members of the House didn't show up after being invited to the Senate hearing on anomalous flood control projects on Friday, Nov. 14.

Before the start of Friday's inquiry, Senate President Pro Tempore Ping Lacson shared the Congress' response to an invitation letter dated Nov. 12 to several congressmen tagged in the scandal by the Discaya couple. 

"According to House Speaker Dy, the members will not be appearing before the committee today in order to avoid any possible prejudice to the ongoing investigation and eventual findings of the ICI, given that the invited members have already submitted themselves to its jurisdiction and proceedings," he said. 

Co, through his lawyer Ruy Rondain, also said he wouldn't be able to come due to "medical reasons." Quoting Rondain, Lacson added, "I am apprehensive that any statement he (Mr. Zaldy Co) may give before the Committee will, at best, preempt any defense he may set up."

In an interview early this week, Lacson revealed that lawmakers mentioned by the Discayas were asked to attend the Senate's Nov. 14 hearing. Aside from Co and Romualdez, these also include Quezon City Rep. Arjo Atayde, Marikina Rep. Marcy Teodoro, Benguet Rep. Eric Yap, among others.

Hearings at the House of Representatives, the Senate, and the ICI have revealed billions of pesos lost to corruption.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. assured the public on Thursday, Nov. 13, that there will be no happy holidays for officials involved as he vowed jail time for them before the year ends.

“Tapos na ang maliligaya ninyong araw,” Marcos said. “Hahabulin namin kayo.”

“Bago mag-Pasko, marami dito sa napangalanan dito, palagay ko matatapos na ang kaso nila, buo na ‘yung kaso. Makukulong na sila, wala silang Merry Christmas," he added.

The President admitted that the government has no timeline yet on holding all erring individuals and officials accountable, as the ICI is still seeing more anomalies as the probe continues.

Marcos, however, reiterated that the government is taking time to build solid cases backed with sufficient evidence to ensure criminals will be put in jail without legal technicality escapes. He also laid out his administration's three-pronged action plan on the scandal: filing of cases, ensuring recovery of stolen wealth, and carrying out reforms to prevent corruption in the future.

The ICI recently announced it will livestream its hearings soon. No starting date for the livestream has been set, as of writing.