Manila 3rd District Rep. Joel Chua criticized what he called a “trial by headline” over allegations of anomalies in flood control projects, emphasizing that claims should be supported by evidence.
Chua, chairman of the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability, stressed that due process protects both the innocent and the guilty, citing former House Speaker Martin Romualdez as an example of someone who has submitted himself to scrutiny.
He thanked Senate Blue Ribbon Committee chair Panfilo Lacson for noting that there was insufficient evidence to implicate Romualdez in the controversy.
Chua warned against naming individuals without proof and called for discussions to focus on improving systems, safeguards, and project implementation rather than scapegoating.
Recent Senate hearings showed no documents or records linking Romualdez to the disputed property, and key witnesses’ claims were contradicted under oath, reinforcing the lack of evidence against him.
Source: PhilNews24 | January 26, 2026
