Jazmin Bonifacio Tacloban City — Leaders of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats came together in support of their party president, former Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, on Tuesday, November 18.
They strongly rejected what they deemed as baseless accusations linking him to alleged irregularities in the national budget process and the ongoing flood-control controversy.
In a statement released to the media by Ryan Ponce Pacpaco, head of the party’s communication department, senior officials stated that there is no concrete evidence linking Romualdez to any misconduct.
They emphasized the need for evidence, not hearsay, and investigations. The party officials pointed out that official records, such as audits and documents, consistently show no evidence against Martin Romualdez.
They criticized attempts to implicate him based on unverifiable claims.
The statement was signed by top party officials and regional chairs, representing a network of 109 legislators, 15 governors and numerous local leaders from across the country.
Among those signing the statement were:
- Rep. David “Jay-Jay” Suarez – Executive Vice President
- Rep. Jose “Joboy” Aquino II – Secretary General
- Rep. Mauricio Domogan – CAR Regional Chair
- Rep. Ramon Guico Jr. – Region I Regional Chair
- Rep. Antonio Albano – Region II Regional Chair
- Rep. Jefferson Khonghun – Region III Regional Chair
- Rep. Janette Garin – Region VI Regional Chair
- Rep. Munir Arbison – Region IX Regional Chair
- Rep. Maria Carmen Zamora – Region XI Regional Chair
- Rep. Ziaur-Rahman Alonto Adiong – BARMM Regional Chair
- Rep. Ernesto Dionisio Jr. – NCR Regional Chair
- Rep. Adrian Salceda – Region V Regional Chair
- Rep. Eduardo Rama Jr. – Region VII Regional Chair
- Rep. Jurdin Jesus Romualdo – Region X Regional Chair
- Rep. Ma. Alana Samantha Taliño Santos – Region XII Regional Chair
They reiterated their unwavering support for Romualdez and emphasized his willingness to participate in lawful inquiries.
During his tenure as Speaker, Romualdez maintained transparency and did not interfere in the technical aspects of budget processes.
The party highlighted his commitment to process and institutional boundaries.
Lakas-CMD warned against narratives aimed at creating confusion and undermining public trust in government institutions. They called for clarity and facts, not fiction, criticizing politically motivated attempts to involve innocent individuals in controversies.
The statement concluded with a strong affirmation of unity behind Romualdez’s leadership, emphasizing their commitment to service over theatrics.
