MANILA — The Office of the Ombudsman has launched preliminary investigation proceedings against former House Speaker and Leyte congressman Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, former Ako Bicol party-list congressman Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co, and several others over their alleged involvement in the controversial flood control fund scam, filing separate complaints for plunder and violations of the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA).
Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said two separate complaints have been prepared for preliminary investigation — one for plunder under Republic Act No. 7080 and another for alleged violations of the Anti-Money Laundering Act.
“The Office of the Ombudsman (has filed) two separate complaints for preliminary investigation against former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Mr. Elizaldy Co and several others: one for Plunder under Republic Act No. 7080, and another for violation of the Anti-Money Laundering Act, as amended,” Clavano said.
The Ombudsman said the move followed what it described as a comprehensive investigation into allegations involving the alleged misuse of public funds intended for flood control projects.
Investigators identified Romualdez as the alleged central figure in the supposed scheme involving the diversion of government funds earmarked for flood control initiatives.
Clavano emphasized that the filing of the complaints marks only the start of the preliminary investigation and does not constitute a finding of guilt.
“This is not a conviction, nor is it a formal charge before a court,” he said.
“It is this Office’s determination that the evidence gathered is substantial enough to warrant a full and formal inquiry into whether or not the case should be filed in court,” he added.
The Ombudsman also stressed that all respondents will be afforded due process during the proceedings.
“Every respondent will be given the opportunity to answer. The presumption of innocence stands, as it must, unless and until proven otherwise in the proper forum,” Clavano said.
The preliminary investigation will determine whether sufficient probable cause exists to elevate the complaints for prosecution before theappropriate court./PN
