Broadcast journalist Karen Davila drew praise online after challenging House Deputy Speaker Ronaldo Puno during an ANC “Headstart” interview, pushing back on his defense of former speaker Martin Romualdez amid questions over budget anomalies.
In the September 17 interview, Davila pressed Puno on allegations of billions-worth budget insertions, particularly those linked to Rep. Zaldy Co of Ako Bicol party-list, and broader claims of lawmakers receiving kickbacks from flood-control projects.
Accusations have been thrown against House members and senators for moving around funds to benefit their districts and for receiving kickbacks from infrastructure projects like flood control.
ALSO READ: As Romualdez exits, Puno pins 2025 budget anomalies on Zaldy Co, Escudero
When Puno began to defend Romualdez, Davila interjected: “Well, congressman, I mean, I understand you work with him but, I think we need to hold our leaders accountable. He is a speaker of the House, the budget emanates from the House.”
“Well, congressman, I mean, I understand you work with him but, I think we need to hold our leaders accountable,” Davila suddenly said.
“He is a speaker of the House, the budget emanates from the House, there are talks of ostentatiousness and extreme wealth — private planes, supposedly more than ten houses in Forbes Park. I’m sorry, I have to bring this up,” she said.
“But to defend the speaker that he is a victim in all this — it’s appalling to the Filipino people. And in the end, he would not even explain the corruption in the budget that he allowed. The House passed it, congressman,” the journalist added.
“In the end, we are talking about the public being angry of the ostentatiousnes and extreme wealth of Martin Romualdez, Zaldy Co. This is not the time of the wealth you and I have seen in past administrations. Galit na tayo noon kay GMA, kay Erap, etcetera. This is a whole other level of alleged corruption,” Davila said.
“I mean, congressman, it’s very difficult to defend Martin who was in power, unless he submits his SALN, he explains. Stepping aside — I don’t think it’s enough for Filipino people. I mean, it’s not personal to me, I’m not angry at him personally, but as a leader, this is inexcusable. Parang biktima pa siya na ang bait niya, gusto niyang tumabi,” she added.
Clips of the exchange quickly spread online, with Filipinos lauding Davila’s forthrightness.
“LOUDER, KAREN!!!” pundit E.B. Jugalbot commented.
“Cong. Ronnie Puno’s victim-defense of Martin Romualdez in today’s Headstart with Karen Davila was, according to the host: ‘INEXCUSABLE’ and ‘APPALLING TO THE FILIPINO PEOPLE,’” he added, sharing a clip of the interview.
“Thank you, Karen Davila, for speaking on behalf of many Filipinos,” another Facebook user wrote.
“In your interview with Cong. Ronaldo Puno, you firmly pointed out that Martin Romualdez is not a victim, contrary to how Cong. Puno tried to paint it. We need more voices like yours, unafraid to stand for truth and hold leaders accountable,” the user added.
“Thank you, Karen Davila, for bravely asking the tough questions! We need more journalists like you who are fearless in defending and speaking up for the Filipino people, the real victims in all of this,” said another Filipino.
“I could feel Karen Davila’s frustration through the screen, and honestly, same. Rep. Ronnie Puno’s interview left me speechless. The way he defended Martin Romualdez was wild,” content creator KC Matta wrote.
“Parang ang dating, e utang na loob pa natin that Romualdez is stepping down, as if we should thank him for ‘sacrificing’ himself for the House. He said Romualdez had no hand in the budget mess, that he was resigning to ‘protect’ the institution, even endorsing a successor. The narrative? That Romualdez is somehow the victim here,” she added.
“But here’s the thing, we are the ones being victimized. The Filipino people are the ones paying for all this corruption, all this misuse of public funds,” Matta continued.
“Nakakagalit. Nakakalungkot. And it’s insulting to the intelligence of every Filipino who just wants accountability. Stop spinning this like Romualdez is the hero. He’s not. He’s not doing us a favor, he’s simply doing what he should have done long ago,” she further said.
“This is a wake-up call for all of us. We cannot remain silent. We cannot allow these cover-ups to go unchecked. It is time to demand true accountability, to remind these officials that they work for the people and the people will not forget, will not forgive, and will not stop until justice is served,” Matta added.
Accountability call
While unusual for journalists to voice such pointed views in interviews, Davila’s comments resonated with those demanding accountability. She joins peers like ANC’s Karmina Constantino, who have also earned attention for calling out interviewees on-air.
Puno, for his part, said Romualdez resigned “because he wants to address and face all of this,” referring to controversies surrounding changes to the 2025 national budget. — with reports from Philstar.com/Dominique Flores
