House Speaker Martin Romualdez on Sunday debunked the report that he committed to donate $2 million or an estimated ₱113 million to Harvard University for its first-ever Filipino language course.
"In light of recent speculations regarding my alleged donation to Harvard University, I choose to respect the institution's gift policy," he said in a statement.
Romualdez said communicated with the prestige international university, and he stands by its principle that it does "not discuss the terms or specifics of individual gifts."
The House Speaker said everyone should redirect their attention to the introduction of the Filipino language course at Harvard, which he regards as a "significant milestone" for the country's culture and heritage on a global platform.
"As mentioned by Mr. Jose Marco C. "Marcky" Antonio II '25, co-president of the Harvard Undergraduate Philippine Forum, our focus should be on celebrating this achievement," he said.
"I firmly believe in promoting and preserving our Filipino identity, and this step by Harvard is a testament to that effort," Romualdez added.
The House Speaker then urged the public to embrace the "moment of pride and unity" for the country and the Filipino language.
In an article posted on Sept. 14, Harvard University's daily student paper The Crimson said that Romualdez was reportedly a major donor in the Filipino language course as he vowed a $2 million fund.
"Martin G. Romualdez, the speaker of the Filipino House of Representatives and a nephew of the former Filipino dictator Ferdinand Marcos, has committed $2 million to endow the Filipino (Tagalog) preceptor position at Harvard, according to a source familiar with the matter who spoke on the condition of anonymity," it said.
Citing information from the FilAm magazine, The Crimson said Romualdez was "identified as the donor to attendees at an April dinner he attended at the home of Geraldine Acuña-Sunshine ’92, a Filipina American member of the Harvard Board of Overseers — the University’s second-highest governing body."
