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Mark Ernest Villeza - The Philippine Star
January 6, 2026 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — Former Ilocos Sur governor Luis “Chavit” Singson yesterday challenged President Marcos and former House speaker Martin Romualdez to a public debate at Malacañang over alleged anomalies in flood control projects.
Singson issued the dare during what his camp described as an emergency press conference in Manila, where he accused Marcos and Romualdez of being behind alleged corruption involving flood control projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways.
“I am ready anytime. ASAP. If they say tomorrow and they accept my challenge, I will go to Malacañang,” Singson said.
Singson claimed that Marcos was aware of, and allegedly involved in, the supposed corruption, arguing that responsibility should not be pinned on Romualdez alone.
Malacañang dismissed Singson’s challenge, saying the President is focused on governing and improving the lives of Filipinos.
“The fight against corruption is not through debate but through action to hold accountable those who should be held accountable,” Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said in Filipino.
“The President spends his time to improve the quality of life of the people and the economy,” she added. “What we need is real good governance that works and not just pretending to be one in the media.”
Castro criticized those who she said were fabricating stories to bring down the Marcos administration after failing to get what they wanted.
She said Marcos has ordered the investigation of all anomalous flood control projects.
Singson said he wanted to debate the President and Romualdez on why they “remain in power” despite the allegations, adding that he was prepared to present what he described as evidence and personal testimonies linking them to questionable projects.
During the briefing, Singson presented documents and videos which he claimed showed flood control projects in Ilocos Norte that were declared fully paid and completed but were allegedly unfinished or substandard.
Ilocos Norte is the home province of the President and his son, House Majority Leader Sandro Marcos.
Singson also announced plans to hold a “one-time, big-time” rally at the soonest possible time and called on various sectors – including religious groups, uniformed personnel and political groups regardless of affiliation – to join a march to Malacañang.
He further alleged that Marcos and Romualdez were the “masterminds” behind the supposed corruption and claimed that other lawmakers were involved through large allocations for flood control projects, naming several congressmen, including Sandro Marcos.
Singson said he was confident that Marcos would eventually be removed from office following his statements.
In an open letter read during the press briefing, Singson also called on Armed Forces chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. to take a public stand against corruption, urging him not to remain silent and to side with the Filipino people.
‘Miss U’s Rocha now a convict’
In a separate development, Singson hit back at Miss Universe Organization (MUO) president Raúl Rocha Cantú, claiming the Mexican billionaire is now a fugitive following a criminal conviction, as tensions escalate over the future ownership of the global beauty pageant.
“Convicted na ‘yang si Rocha at nagtatago na,” he said on Sunday, dismissing Rocha’s recent statements as empty bravado.
He added that Rocha’s legal troubles strip him of any credibility to attack others publicly.
Singson reiterated that he is serious about acquiring the MUO, saying he has already sent a former top MUO official to help facilitate the deal.
While he declined to disclose the price, he was firm about his intent.
He said he was serious in buying the franchise, stressing that Rocha’s situation would not deter his plans.
The exchange followed a social media post by Rocha on Jan. 3, in which he called Singson and his daughter, Ako Ilocano Ako party-list Rep. Richelle Singson, a “delusional fool,” mocking their reported bid to acquire MUO.
Rocha wrote that his lawyers would “put an end” to what he described as their “fairy tales.” — Helen Flores, Artemio Dumlao
