Photo courtesy of Philippine News Agency (PNA).
Despite ex-Philippine Marine Orly Guteza’s recantation in the ongoing flood control probe, the Office of the Ombudsman (OMB) announced that former House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez can still be investigated and charged for plunder and other corruption anomalies.
This is according to Ombudsman Jesus Crispin ‘Boying’ Remulla who said that 28 other witnesses who are prepared to provide direct and material knowledge of the transactions being investigated in the case involving the Leyte representative and cousin of President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr.
“Recantation is not new in high-profile cases. This is a classic pressure tactic,” Remulla pointed out in a statement.
“The entire investigation does not revolve around a single or even a handful of witnesses,” the former justice secretary added as he emphasized that the case does not hinge only on Guteza’s testimony alone.
The OMB is currently investigating Romualdez over his alleged role in the multibillion-peso flood control bribery scandal, involving complaints of plunder, graft and corruption, direct bribery and money laundering.
Without identifying the specific agencies or positions of the 28 witnesses, the Ombudsman said they are people in uniform and still in active service.
At the same time, Remulla warned that those who have been or will be placed under legal process in the case are required to cooperate as this is not a choice but an obligation under the law.
“Anyone who dares to obstruct, interfere with or disrupt the proceedings of the Ombudsman will face the full force of the law,” he stressed.
Yesterday, Romualdez submitted a supplemental counter-affidavit to the Office of the Ombudsman, attaching sworn statements from 25 former drivers and security aides of fugutive former Ako Bicol party-list representative Elizaldy ‘Zaldy’ Co and his lawyer Atty. Ade Fajardo.