The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) on Monday denied the interpretation of Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre that the commission cleared former House Speaker Martin Romualdez of any responsibility in the alleged anomalies surrounding government flood control projects.

In a statement, the ICI said it “refutes the interpretation” made by Acidre regarding one of its recommendations submitted to the Office of the Ombudsman on November 21, 2025. Acidre had earlier claimed that the commission’s referral found Romualdez not liable in the ongoing controversy.

"The ICI referral itself, signed by retired Supreme Court Justice Andres Reyes, explicitly states: This referral is issued without any finding or conclusion of guilt or liability on the part of Former Speaker Martin Romualdez. That is not interpretation. That is the Commission's own language," Acidre said in a statement.

“Rep. Acidre selectively quoted the referral and presented this excerpt without its full context,” the commission said.

The ICI noted that the commission “transmitted to the Office of the Ombudsman the Referral for further investigation of Former Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, together with the complete evidentiary record gathered in the course of its investigation. This included the affidavit submitted by Rep. Romualdez, as well as the transcript and recording of his appearance before the Commission on October 14, 2025.”

“These statements in the referral clearly show that the ICI did not make a determination of innocence or guilt on the part of Former Speaker Romualdez,” the ICI said.

The body said the referral transmitted to the Office of the Ombudsman, the ICI said Romualdez was recommended “for further investigation” and the referral is “issued without any finding or conclusion of guilt or liability on the part of Former Speaker Romualdez."

The ICI, which is winding up its operations at the end of March, emphasized that it is a "fact-finding body" and does not possess prosecutorial authority. Under Executive Order No. 94, the commission’s mandate is to "recommend the filing of appropriate criminal, civil, or administrative actions before proper disciplinary and prosecutorial authorities."

“The ICI reiterates that all its referrals and actions are grounded in a careful and thorough evaluation of verified information, including multiple testimonies and documentary evidence available to the Commission,” it said.