The filing of a plunder case against former House Speaker Martin Romualdez has put President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s own cousin before the anti-graft court, but Malacañang said Monday that family ties would not determine how the administration views the case.
Palace press officer Claire Castro said Marcos’ position has been consistent: anyone who should be held accountable must answer for the evidence against them, regardless of whether that person is a relative, friend, political ally or opponent.
The Office of the Ombudsman filed the case against Romualdez, former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co and two other accused before the Sandiganbayan over an alleged kickback operation involving more than Php 7 billion. The accusations are tied to government-funded flood control and other infrastructure projects.
Malacañang stopped short of passing judgment on the allegations. Castro said the Palace respects the Ombudsman’s action as part of its mandate, while those charged must be given the opportunity to challenge the prosecution’s evidence and present their defense.
The development carries an unusual political dimension because Romualdez is Marcos’ maternal first cousin and was one of the administration’s most powerful congressional allies before leaving the House speakership.
Marcos had addressed that relationship months before the charges reached the Sandiganbayan. During his fifth State of the Nation Address in July, he acknowledged that the prospect of cases against Romualdez was painful but said his obligation as President was to the country rather than to his family or political associates.
Castro invoked the same principle following Monday’s filing, saying evidence should ultimately determine accountability and that information uncovered by investigators should be allowed to come before the public and the courts.
Romualdez has repeatedly denied involvement in illegal transactions and has said he is prepared to defend himself through the legal process. The plunder charge remains an allegation, and the filing itself does not establish guilt.
