It has been a few weeks since the multi-millionaire Discaya couple mentioned the name of former Speaker and Leyte first district Representative Martin Romualdez in connection with the flood control anomalies, before the Senate Blue Ribbon panel.
Also, it has been more than a month since the former Marine who worked for then Rep. Zaldy Co claimed that he and a companion delivered a huge amount of money to Romualdez's residence.
Ordinary masses, seeing the slow grind of the government's official action, have resorted to rallies and demonstrations, even as Romualdez himself made himself available for investigation by the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI).
The clock is ticking and soon, the Bongbong Marcos administration will reckon with ending its term in 2028, and the people are really interested in finding closure to this societal mess.
We are also still waiting for the beef. Where really is the beef?
In street parlance that has also gained traction in social media--Nasaan ang Resibo?
Several political pundits are quick to point out: to date, no one has yet to presented any proof of Martin's alleged involvement.
During his appearance at the ICI, where the former speaker personally denied any wrongdoing in connection with the flood control and other public works scandal.
Romualdez even promised to release his Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) should the commission require it.
We would like to believe the congressman from the first district of Leyte when he said he was "willing to do anything that will help speed up the investigation, because like every Filipino, I want the truth to be established without delay."
It is not enough for the ICI to open its proceedings to the public through televised hearings or live streaming. What the people expect from the commission is the uncovering of genuine evidence---concrete or even circumstantial. For instance, how about proof that former Speaker Romualdez appeared at the Bicam and instructed its members on what to do with the General Appropriations Bill?
Such an evidence would substantiate suspicions that he influenced members of the committee in amending certain provisions in the budget to accommodate additional infra projects, which opens up opportunities for the congressmen to make money.
We note that Rep. Romualdez's presence in the ICI reflects his commitment to state the truth and not allow politics to prevail.
The same commitment should be expected from all those who claim to be moved by reasons of nationalism and morality in their quest to help uncover the truth and punish the guilty, whoever they may be.
At the end of the day, it is evidence and not political noise or unfounded accusations that will uncover and reveal what really happened and how we found ourselves trapped in this quagmire of corruption.
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