MANILA — The Office of the Ombudsman has widened its investigation into former House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez over alleged flood control project irregularities, with 42 potential witnesses now under scrutiny as investigators assess their testimonies, including recanted statements, for evidence that could support a case.
Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said the witness pool includes 28 recently identified individuals and 14 former bodyguards of former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co.
Despite the growing number, Clavano stressed that investigators are not treating the inquiry as a contest over who can produce the most witnesses. Instead, the Ombudsman is determining which accounts are credible, consistent and supported by evidence.
“We don’t want this to be a numbers game,” Clavano said, noting that Romualdez’s camp has also presented witnesses.
The Ombudsman is likewise examining the original affidavits of witnesses alongside subsequent statements in which some of them withdrew or changed their accusations.
Clavano said a recantation does not automatically invalidate an earlier affidavit. Investigators will compare the conflicting accounts and examine available evidence to determine which version is truthful.
The reversals themselves could also open another line of inquiry, according to Clavano, particularly if investigators uncover indications that witnesses were pressured or paid to change their statements.
Such circumstances could become relevant in assessing not only the credibility of the witnesses but also the reasons behind their recantations.
Romualdez has denied involvement in any illegal activity and previously said he was prepared to face the legal proceedings./PN
