MANILA — Leyte 1st District Rep. Martin Romualdez called for sobriety amid rising political tensions surrounding allegations linked to budget insertions and infrastructure projects, stressing that investigations should be grounded solely on facts and sworn testimonies.

Romualdez said he would not engage in a public back-and-forth over the accusations made by his former ally, resigned party-list lawmaker Zaldy Co.

“My conscience remains clear,” Romualdez said in a press statement, noting that no public official, contractor or witness under oath has linked him to any wrongdoing since the inquiries began.

The former House Speaker dismissed Co’s two videos, saying allegations made outside sworn proceedings “do not hold water in the court of law.”

He also reaffirmed his trust in the Independent Commission for Infrastructure, the Department of Justice, and the Office of the Ombudsman to assess evidence objectively.

Romualdez said he will continue to cooperate with the ongoing investigation.