Former Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez is prepared to face any complaint that may be filed by the Office of the Ombudsman in connection with the alleged flood control scam, according to his legal counsel, Ade Fajardo, on Sunday.
Fajardo emphasized that there is no evidence linking his client to any wrongdoing.
“Former Speaker Romualdez is ready to go through the process. However, there is absolutely no proof or evidence connecting him to the alleged flood control anomalies. In fact, there has not even been a preliminary investigation yet—the case is still in the build-up stage,” Fajardo said.
He clarified that Romualdez had no participation in the funding or implementation of flood control projects.
“It’s actually very simple. If you had no participation, then you can expect that there will be no evidence against you,” he added.
Fajardo also questioned the credibility of the so-called bodyguards whose testimonies have reportedly changed over time.
“How can you rely on statements that are inconsistent and constantly changing, especially when they are filled with incredible claims?” he said.
The lawyer further pointed out that the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) had previously found no liability on the part of the former Speaker.
“If we recall, the ICI itself concluded in its investigation that it found no liability. These were their expressed findings when the records were submitted to the Office of the Ombudsman,” he noted.
Fajardo reiterated that Romualdez is willing to answer the allegations once formally required by the Ombudsman.
“The former Speaker is not evading accountability. He voluntarily stepped down from his position to allow the investigation to proceed,” he stressed.
He also confirmed that Romualdez remains in the country and continues to fulfill his duties as the representative of Leyte’s 1st district.
“He is here, actively working as Leyte’s representative. He is not fleeing and is fully willing to face everything, should there be any evidence presented,” Fajardo said.
Romualdez, according to his counsel, will comply with all processes of the Office of the Ombudsman. However, Fajardo highlighted that no preliminary investigation has been initiated so far.
“Our respected Ombudsman has acknowledged that up to now, there has been no preliminary investigation, and he has not received any subpoena,” he emphasized.
Fajardo concluded by saying that his client should be given the opportunity to formally respond to any allegations before any conclusions are drawn.
“We are concerned that the former Speaker must be given the proper opportunity to formally answer these accusations before any conclusions are made,” he said.
