MANILA – Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero on Monday accused former House Speaker Martin Romualdez of masterminding what he described as a “script and sarswela” to shift public anger over the multibillion-peso flood control controversy away from members of the House of Representatives and toward the Senate.

In a lengthy manifestation delivered during session, Escudero alleged that Romualdez had been “diverting” attention by allowing witnesses to repeatedly name senators, despite having “no direct dealings” with them, while sparing congressmen who allegedly benefited from anomalous projects.

“Scripted po ito. Pinipilit nilang gawing panakip-butas ang Senado, para malayo ang galit ng tao sa Kamara at sa mga tunay na kasabwat,” Escudero said.

The senator cited the testimony of retired Master Sgt. Jaime Guteza before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, where Guteza claimed he personally delivered suitcases of cash to Romualdez’s residence. Escudero said Guteza’s testimony, unlike that of other witnesses, was credible because he did not ask for immunity or protection.

He further claimed that Romualdez used the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte as leverage to pressure lawmakers into signing, allegedly tying the release of “for-later-release” (FLR) funds to support for the complaint. Escudero said this effort failed after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. rejected such a scheme.

Escudero also pointed to instances in 2023 and 2024 where the flood control budget allegedly ballooned in comparison to agriculture, citing testimonies that showed Romualdez’s office had intervened whenever attempts were made to cut these allocations.

The senator decried what he called “selective justice” for targeting senators while sparing congressmen, including Romualdez. “Ganito ba katindi ang kapangyarihan ni Martin Romualdez, na tila ‘the name that cannot be mentioned,’” Escudero said.

He stressed that he had never been charged with corruption in his 27 years in public service and vowed to defend himself from accusations, while pressing for Romualdez to be summoned and investigated.

“Punitin natin ang script ni Martin Romualdez,” Escudero declared, urging the Senate to resist being divided. “Huwag magpadala sa sarswela na nilalako niya.”