Manila, Nov. 18 -- Leaders of the Lakas - Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) on Tuesday rallied behind their party president, former Speaker and Leyte 1st District Rep. Martin Romualdez, amid allegations tied to budget insertions and infrastructure projects.

In a statement, the Lakas-CMD leaders said there has been "no evidence whatsoever presented in any sworn or validated proceeding that links Rep. Romualdez to any wrongdoing."

They also said the factual record is "clear and uncontested," adding that justice must rest on evidence and not on "pressure, speculation, or political noise."

"All documents, audits, and official records point to only one fact: there is no evidence against the former Speaker," they said.

The party leader...