MANILA – Malacañang rejected allegations that the investigation into anomalous flood control projects is being influenced by political interests linked to former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, saying the claims are “baseless and politically charged.”

The statement came after Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero alleged that the inquiry was following a “script” to protect Romualdez, a cousin of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), which was created to probe corruption in public works, would base its findings solely on evidence.

“Everyone whose name is mentioned must be considered innocent until proven guilty. Let us go to where the evidence leads us,” Castro said, stressing that accusations and privilege speeches cannot substitute for legal proof.

She said the ICI was specifically designed to independently evaluate records and evidence to determine accountability.

Castro also pushed back against Vice President Sara Duterte, who earlier accused the President of using the ICI to control the probe and warned that the “floodwaters of truth” would reach Malacañang.

As a lawyer, Castro said, Duterte should recognize the difference between allegations and conviction, noting that no court has found Romualdez guilty of corruption.

“She should not forget there is separation of powers,” Castro said, adding that even Duterte herself had been “mentioned” in alleged irregularities but has not been judged without proof.

Responding to Duterte’s “floodwaters” remark, Castro retorted: “It seems the only thing she knows is how to attack President Marcos Jr.”

Castro added that the President was the first to order the investigation and expose “ghost” projects and substandard flood control works — a fact she said Escudero himself had acknowledged. (PNA)