MANILA — A heated exchange has erupted between Leyte 1st District Representative Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero, following accusations that Escudero used a Senate privilege speech to align himself with Vice President Sara Duterte ahead of the 2028 elections.

Speaking in the Senate on Monday, Escudero alleged that Romualdez orchestrated what he called a “script and sarswela (dramatics)” to divert public outrage over ghost and substandard flood-control projects away from the House of Representatives and toward senators.

Escudero’s Statement: A DDS Script? – Romualdez Responds

Romualdez, a former House Speaker, dismissed Escudero’s remarks as recycled propaganda.

“I listened to the privilege speech of Sen. Chiz Escudero. With respect, what we heard was not an exposé but a DDS (Diehard Duterte Supporters) script — the same recycled accusations we have on troll pages and social media posts. Walang bago at wala rin katotohanan,” he said in a statement.

He further claimed Escudero’s speech was politically motivated.

“It was a performance designed to profess loyalty and service to Vice President Sara Duterte, and to position himself as her ally for 2028. Ang tunay na pinagsisilbihan ay hindi ang katotohanan, kundi ang sariling interes at plano sa politika,” Romualdez said.

Romualdez added that he is willing to face any impartial investigation.

“For my part, I will continue to cooperate with every impartial investigation. My record can withstand scrutiny. Wala akong itinatago,” he said.

He also accused Escudero of deflecting attention from his own alleged involvement.

“Instead of answering the serious questions he himself must face, Sen. Escudero chose to deflect. He did not deny the allegations against him. He did not explain his own role in flood-control kickbacks,” Romualdez said.

Escudero’s Exposé: FLR Funds and Impeachment Allegations

In his plenary speech, Escudero claimed Romualdez was behind the filing of an impeachment complaint against Vice President Duterte, allegedly to trigger the release of “for-later release” (FLR) funds ahead of the 2025 midterm elections.

“Ginamit ni Martin Romualdez ang FLR — at ang pangalan ni Pangulong Marcos — upang itulak ang kanilang unconstitutional na impeachment complaint. Sabi nila: pumirma kayo! Dahil kung hindi, hindi ilalabas ang inyong pondo na naka-FLR bago mag eleksyon,” Escudero said.

He also argued that the Senate was being unfairly targeted.
“Kapani-paniwala ba na wala silang kinausap na kahit isang congressman? Lahat ito, para lang ipako ang mga senador sa media at publiko, at ilayo ang atensyon sa Kamara at congressmen,” he said.

Escudero cited testimony from retired Philippine Marines Master Sgt. Orly Guteza, who claimed to have delivered “billions of pesos in cash-filled suitcases” to Romualdez’s residences.

However, Escudero himself faces similar accusations. Former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo alleged that the senator inserted ₱800 million into infrastructure projects, expecting a 20% kickback. Guteza, who identified himself as a former aide to embattled Rep. Zaldy Co, also claimed he helped deliver 46 suitcases of cash to Romualdez’s house.

Both Romualdez and Escudero have denied all allegations.

This political clash follows their recent removal as House Speaker and Senate President, respectively, amid the widening fallout from corruption investigations into flood-control projects.

📷 Chiz Escudero FB, Martin Romualdez FB