Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero on Wednesday, September 17, issued a stern warning to the public against what he described as “calculated diversions” intended to clear House Speaker Martin Romualdez of any involvement in the controversial flood control projects, including alleged “ghost” infrastructure initiatives.

Escudero’s remarks came in response to recent media statements by Deputy Speaker Ronnie Puno, who asserted that Romualdez had no direct role in the alleged budget insertions and irregularities tied to flood control allocations from 2022 to 2024.

The senator criticized Puno’s narrative, saying it risks misleading the public and undermining the integrity of ongoing investigations.

“Katawa-tawa naman ang ginagawa nila. Ang bilis naman nila i-abswelto si Speaker Romualdez, ilaglag si Rep. Zaldy Co, ilihis ang isyu at magtuturo ng iba,” Escudero said, calling out what he believes is a coordinated attempt to deflect blame and sow confusion.

Escudero emphasized that the core issue remains the existence of ghost projects, substandard infrastructure, and alleged kickbacks embedded in previous budgets. He cited findings from the Commission on Audit (COA), the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and whistleblower accounts.

“Ang isyu ay ghost projects, substandard projects at mga kickback na karamihan ay nasa budget ng 2022, 2023 at 2024,” he said.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. recently revealed that ₱545 billion had been allocated for flood control projects from July 2022 to May 2025, with ₱100 billion—nearly 20%—awarded to just 15 contractors.

Escudero urged the public to remain vigilant and not be swayed by political narratives that attempt to sanitize the scandal.

“Mag-ingat po tayo at huwag po magpadala sa dibersiyon at paglilihis na ito,” he said.

He also noted that the 2025 budget is still in its early implementation phase, with some projects placed on hold following directives from President Marcos.

“Ayon kay DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon, titiyakin daw niya na maayos ang pag-implement nito di tulad ng sa mga nagdaang taon,” Escudero added.