MANILA — The camp of former House Speaker and Leyte congressman Martin Romualdez on Tuesday denied any involvement in alleged irregularities in flood control projects, even as the Office of the Ombudsman moves closer to filing a plunder case tied to the controversy.
Romualdez’s legal counsel, Atty. Ade Fajardo, stressed that no formal charges have been filed and maintained that the accusations lack evidentiary basis, expressing confidence that any legal action will ultimately hinge on facts rather than political pressure.
“We want to emphasize that, to date, there is no evidence linking Rep. Romualdez to any ghost and substandard projects pertaining to the flood control issue,” Fajardo said.
The statement came after Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla disclosed that prosecutors are preparing to file a plunder case against Romualdez in connection with the controversy.
“We remain confident that these matters will be resolved based on evidence and due process — not politics or speculation,” he added.
Fajardo clarified that the Ombudsman’s earlier remarks referred only to the preparation of a complaint, underscoring that the case has yet to reach a critical legal threshold.
“There is no filed case, no finding of probable cause, and no determination of liability at this time,” he said.
He also expressed confidence that the Ombudsman would uphold strict prosecutorial standards in assessing the case.
“We trust that the Ombudsman will fully adhere to the circular that he instituted and signed as then Secretary of the Department of Justice, that DOJ prosecutors should only pursue cases with reasonable certainty of conviction,” Fajardo added.
Despite the mounting scrutiny, the camp said Romualdez is ready to face any legal proceedings and cooperate fully with authorities.
Fajardo said the former Speaker “respects the processes of the Office of the Ombudsman and will fully cooperate if and when a formal proceeding is initiated.”/PN
