A quote card is circulating on Facebook claiming Leyte 1st District Rep. Martin Romualdez dropped the Biblical verse “I am the way, the truth and the life” (John 14:6) when asked for a statement on his cooperation in the investigation by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) into anomalous flood control projects. This is false.
A reader asked to verify the statement through VERA Files’ Messenger Misinformation Tipline. Attributing the quote to the resigned House Speaker, the graphic read:
“I am the way, the truth, and the life. Narito ako upang tumulong sa anumang paraan para mapabilis ang pagresolba ng fact-finding at imbestigasyon para sa ICI (I am here to cooperate in whatever way to expedite the fact-finding and investigation of the ICI).”
In the clip, Romualdez was interviewed by reporters about his appearance at the ICI, but did not utter the well-known biblical line.
Romualdez was invited to attend the Oct. 14 ICI inquiry into the involvement of lawmakers in the flood control and infrastructure projects that were either overpriced or non-existent. Ahead of his appearance, he released a press statement assuring the public of his full cooperation. Part of the statement read:
“I am here to cooperate fully and help uncover the truth. Wala akong itinatago at walang dapat itago (I have nothing to hide and nothing I should hide). While I was not part of the bicameral conference committee, whatever I know, I will share.”
The John 14:6 verse is attributed to Jesus Christ in the Holy Bible. Some netizens, who believed that Romualdez used the verse, commented it was inappropriate and blasphemous.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. established the ICI on Sept. 15 to investigate anomalies into flood control and infrastructure projects, after he vowed to go after those involved in massive corruption during his 2025 State of the Nation Address.
Contractor couple Sarah and Curlee Discaya—who have also been accused of benefitting from corrupt practices—refused to continue cooperating with the ICI after it seemed unlikely they would be recommended as state witnesses. Former Ako Bicol Party-list representative Zaldy Co, who is also implicated in flood control and budget anomalies, was a no-show at his scheduled hearing on Oct. 14.
The original post, published by FB page Flash Report (created Feb. 13, 2018 as travel page Wilbert in Japan), which garnered over 184,000 reactions, 42,800 comments and 19,000 shares, has since been taken down. The quote card was reposted in other FB and Instagram accounts.
