MANILA — Former House Speaker and Leyte congressman Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has declared his readiness to face the Office of the Ombudsman’s preliminary investigation into complaints over alleged irregularities in government flood control projects, expressing confidence that the evidence will ultimately clear his name.
The Ombudsman has begun a preliminary investigation into complaints accusing Romualdez and several others of plunder, graft, direct and indirect bribery, and violations of the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA), following a fact-finding inquiry into the alleged misuse of flood control funds.
Romualdez’s spokesperson, lawyer Elaine Atienza, said the former House leader has long been prepared to answer any allegations through the proper legal process.
“Tulad po ng nasabi na namin noon pa man, handa si Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez na harapin ang anumang reklamo laban sa kanya,” Atienza said.
The preliminary investigation will determine whether sufficient grounds exist to elevate the complaints and file charges before the Sandiganbayan.
Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano earlier said the complaints stemmed from the Ombudsman’s fact-finding investigation into Romualdez’s alleged involvement in reported irregularities surrounding flood control projects.
Atienza said Romualdez welcomes the opportunity to respond to the allegations, maintaining that a fair assessment of the evidence would vindicate him.
“Naniniwala kami na kung magkakaroon ng patas na laban at patas na paghuhusga batay sa ebidensya, mapapatunayan ni Rep. Romualdez ang kanyang panig,” she said.
She likewise appealed to the public to avoid making premature conclusions, stressing that the case should be resolved through due process and decided solely on the evidence presented before the proper authorities./PN
