LAWMAKERS are calling for calm and due process after Senate Blue Ribbon Committee chair Panfilo Lacson said there is no proof linking former Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez to the flood control controversy.

Lanao del Sur 1st District Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong welcomed Lacson’s statement, emphasizing that investigations must be based on facts, not rumors.

“This reinforces what should be obvious in any serious inquiry — without factual evidence, sworn statements, and documents, there is nothing to pursue. Critics should stop the political noise and pressure tactics. Investigations are not trial by rumor,” Adiong said.

Lacson clarified in a radio interview that although Romualdez’s name surfaced, no witness has directly implicated him. Orly Guteza, whose claims remain unverified, did not appear before the Department of Justice, the Ombudsman, or the Independent Commission for Infrastructure to confirm his statements under oath.

Adiong stressed the importance of this context.

“When a witness disappears and no sworn affirmation follows, you cannot manufacture a case. Public officials deserve the same fairness expected of any citizen,” he said.

He also echoed Lacson’s rejection of claims that the investigation was blocked by Malacañang or the senator himself, citing Lacson’s reputation for independence.

“The Senate chair was clear: there was no pressure, and even if there were, it would not work. That should put to rest the conspiracy theories,” Adiong said.

Deputy Speaker Ronaldo Puno also supported Lacson’s remarks, noting that accountability must always be grounded in facts and due process.

“Senator Lacson made it very clear that the Senate can only follow where the evidence leads. In this case, Lacson’s statement reinforces the long-standing principle that due process – not insinuation – must prevail in any inquiry conducted by the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee,” Puno said.

Deputy Speaker Paolo Ortega V of La Union echoed the call for restraint, urging critics to stop political pressure and allow institutions to work objectively.

“Accountability is important, but it cannot be built on rumors or unsubstantiated claims. Our people deserve clarity, not chaos. Let evidence speak. If there is none, then it is time to stop politicizing the issue and move forward,” Ortega said.

All lawmakers stressed that public debate should be guided by evidence and fairness, not political theater or trial by publicity.