Navotas lone district Representative Toby Tiangco said former House Speaker Martin Romualdez bears command responsibility over former Ako-Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co in connection with the alleged insertions in Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) flood control projects.

Tiangco stressed that he is not taking sides in the controversy but is merely recounting what he said actually happened. “Wala akong kinakampihan at pinagtatanggol, sinasabi ko kung ano ang tunay na nangyari, hindi para depensahan ang Presidente kundi para sabihin ang totoo. All of these would not have happened if hindi pinayagan ni Speaker. Ang direct command responsibility kay Zaldy ay si Martin,” Tiangco said in a radio interview.

Tiangco’s remarks followed his earlier statements that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had confronted both Romualdez and Co over the transfer of unprogrammed funds to projects allegedly approved by the two. According to Tiangco, President Marcos was not aware of the actions taken by Romualdez and Co, which was why they were reprimanded.

“All of this will not have happened kung hindi pinayagan ni former Speaker Martin Romualdez. Kasi kung sasabihin natin command responsibility, the direct command responsibility was the command responsibility ng dating Speaker Martin Romualdez kay Zaldy Co. Yan yung direct na command responsibility eh. Kaya nga, napagalitan siya (ni Presidente),” he said.

Tiangco also called on the government to intensify efforts to bring Co back to the Philippines, noting that an arrest warrant has already been issued. He said many Filipinos are growing frustrated over the lack of high-profile arrests linked to the controversy. He added that he is proposing the deployment of a team to Portugal to demonstrate the administration’s resolve in pursuing Co.

“Nakukulangan lang ako doon sa effort. Parang isang taong may warrant of arrest dito sa Pilipinas 'di ba—pag mas pursiguido, mas malaki ang chansa. Maghanap-hanap na sila doon. Tanong-tanong sila ng mga Filipino community. Mag-imbestiga na rin sila pag nandoon sila in coordination with the law agencies sa bansa na yun,” Tiangco shared.

Tiangco said the investigation into the alleged anomalous flood control projects now lies with the Office of the Ombudsman. He added that once Congress resumes session, he hopes lawmakers can pass the ICI bill he authored to strengthen the commission’s mandate.

“Lahat naka atang na sa balikat ng Ombudsman. Since kulang na ng personalidad yung ICI, wala silang katulong pagdating sa bagay na yun, hindi katulad nung buo pa yung ICI. But I hope pagbalik namin sa Congress, maipasa na yung ICI bill,” said Tiangco.

Why would Dr. Seuss write something about the environment and why have it in less comprehensive audience? As for my understanding during Dr. Seuss time it is very hard to go up against with big names and big companies. People standing up to their believes are being suppressed by powerful tyrants. They would not listen to any thoughts about the environment and the effects of what they are doing. Perhaps that's one of the reason why Dr. Seuss made it into a children's book. Also I think he got the idea that if you want to change the world start with the kids and children's books are one of the most powerful influencer. Kids read books whether it is in school or at home.

Not really sure if he had read Jose Rizal's writings but the idea of teaching the young ones the importance of the environment and letting them picture what will happen is somewhat similar to Jose Rizal's famous quote “the youth of today is the hope of tomorrow” (not exactly as it is but the thought is close enough).

The story of The Lorax does not only talks about the environment but it does show ideas of the economy as well and how filthy rich people takes advantage of different situation. In other words greediness comes in, moral issue is much more likely. Being opportunistic is not bad but grabbing the opportunity in the expense of others is not a good call of success.

Remember the story of a young girl who stands and talks about the environment in front of the representatives in the United Nations (not sure if it is a conference or a summit)conference? Yes, she made the whole world listen to what she have said and perhaps that was the start of the change. Just like the quote in Dr. Seuss The Lorax “unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not.” It is indeed that unless there's one person that will make a small act, not only for the environment but also for the next generation to come, things will for sure change and it's for the better.