Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero delivered a strongly worded speech at the Senate today, where he directly addressed issues involving former House Speaker Martin Romualdez. The senator’s remarks drew attention to Romualdez’s political decisions, financial dealings, and lingering influence within Congress despite his recent resignation as Speaker.

Escudero, known for his measured yet sharp commentaries, questioned the transparency of Romualdez’s budgetary insertions during his leadership in the House of Representatives. He stressed that the public deserves to know how billions in government funds were allocated, particularly in relation to infrastructure projects and district-level programs.

“Hindi ito usapin ng personal na galit o politika. Usapin ito ng pananagutan at tamang paggamit ng pera ng taumbayan,” Escudero said, adding that Romualdez should be prepared to answer for what he described as “questionable appropriations.”

The senator also pointed out Romualdez’s alleged attempts to retain political leverage through allies in the House even after stepping down. According to Escudero, such maneuvers contradict the spirit of accountability and reform that both chambers of Congress must uphold.

Observers noted that Escudero’s speech was one of the most direct criticisms against Romualdez since the latter’s departure from the speakership earlier this month. Political analysts believe this could signal widening divisions within the Marcos administration’s legislative bloc, as Escudero has often been perceived as an independent voice in the Senate.

Meanwhile, Romualdez has yet to issue a formal response to Escudero’s remarks. His camp, however, has previously dismissed allegations of irregularities in the budget as “politically motivated.”

The Senate session took a couple of minute of suspension with heightened anticipation of possible investigations into Romualdez’s past leadership. Escudero emphasized that accountability should not end with resignation, insisting that “public office is a public trust, and no one should be above scrutiny.”