Manila — Former House Speaker and Leyte congressman Ferdinand Martin Romualdez challenged the fairness of the Office of the Ombudsman’s preliminary investigation into the alleged flood control anomalies, questioning its continued reliance on witnesses who, he said, had already been discredited and are now facing separate criminal complaints.
In a statement, Romualdez said he was not seeking special treatment but was merely asking for equal treatment under the law as the investigation proceeds.
“Pantay na hustisya lamang ang hinihingi ko,” Romualdez said.
He argued that the Ombudsman continues to use individuals whose credibility, according to him, has already been undermined and whose actions have led to criminal charges.
“But the Ombudsman is using witnesses he himself and now the DOJ (Department of Justice) have already publicly discredited – and who are now facing cyberlibel and perjury charges,” he said.
Romualdez questioned whether relying on such witnesses remains consistent with the principles of a fair and impartial investigation.
He also maintained that the same individuals, despite being the subject of criminal complaints, continue to be presented in connection with the case against him.
“Mga testigong ibinasura na, kinasuhan pa ng cyberlibel at perjury — gagamitin pa rin para lang ituro ako at ako lamang,” he said.
The former Speaker was referring to 18 former security aides of fugitive ex-congressman Zaldy Co and their lawyer, Levito Baligod.
Earlier this week, the Department of Justice announced that it had filed perjury and cyberlibel complaints before four Regional Trial Courts in Metro Manila against the former bodyguards and Baligod.
According to the DOJ, the charges stemmed from the execution and public circulation of a joint sworn statement, as well as related press briefings, interviews, and online posts.
Despite his concerns over the conduct of the investigation, Romualdez said he would continue participating in the legal proceedings.
“Hindi ako uurong sa laban na ito. Hindi ako matitinag. Gawin natin ang tama,” he said./PN
