Former House Speaker Romualdez willing to answer Ombudsman complaint, counsel says

Former House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez is ready to answer any complaint the Office of the Ombudsman may file against him over his alleged role in the multibillion-peso flood control scandal, with his lawyer insisting there is no evidence linking the Leyte lawmaker to the alleged anomalies.

In a statement on Sunday, Romualdez's counsel Ade Fajardo maintained that the case remains in the build-up stage and that no preliminary investigation has been conducted.

“There is truly no proof or evidence against him in the flood control anomalies. There is not even a preliminary investigation yet, as the case remains in build-up status.”

The statement came after Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said on Friday that his office is "very close" to filing plunder charges against Romualdez over allegations that he orchestrated a scheme involving politicians, government engineers and contractors to divert funds intended for flood control projects.

Fajardo said the allegations would not prosper because Romualdez had no involvement in the alleged irregularities.

“It’s actually very simple,”

He added that Romualdez has no intention of avoiding the investigation and remains prepared to cooperate with the Ombudsman.

“The former speaker is not evading accountability in facing all of this. He voluntarily stepped down as speaker to give way to the investigation.”

“He remains present, busy as Leyte’s representative, and, of course, he is not hiding.”

“He is willing to face everything if there is any evidence being alleged.”

Fajardo also emphasized that Romualdez has yet to receive a subpoena from the Ombudsman, reiterating that no preliminary investigation has been initiated.

“There is still no preliminary investigation, [and] he has not even been subpoenaed by the Office of the Ombudsman.”

He said Romualdez should be allowed to formally answer the allegations before any conclusions are reached, noting that the Independent Commission of Inquiry (ICI) previously found no basis to hold the former speaker liable.

“If we look back, it was the ICI itself that released findings in its investigation showing no liability. Those were the expressed findings of the ICI when the records were brought to the Office of the Ombudsman.”