Ombudsman: Romualdez keeps trying to leave PH as we prepare plunder rap

Former House Speaker Martin Romualdez MANILA, Philippines — Former House Speaker and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez allegedly tried to go abroad despite a travel ban issued by the Sandiganbayan, Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said on Monday. Clavano made this known as he announced that the plunder and money laundering complaint against Romualdez have reached the preliminary investigation stage — just a one step away from determining if the case can be filed before the anti-graft court. State prosecutors have yet to file a case against Romualdez before the Sandiganbayan. Article continues after this advertisement However, the anti-graft court granted the Ombudsman’s petition for a precautionary hold departure order against Romualdez, as state prosecutors noted that he is a flight risk. “Despite a precautionary hold departure order issued by the Sandiganbayan, this office has received credible intelligence reports that former Speaker Martin Romualdez has not ceased attempting to leave the country,” Clavano said in a press conference. Clavano urged relevant authorities to “make sure this does not happen.” “Our investigation identifies former Speaker Romualdez as the central figure in a scheme built on the diversion of public funds meant for flood control projects — funds that were supposed to shield Filipino communities from the very floods that, year after year, take their homes, their livelihoods, and too often, their lives,” Clavano said. The PHDO petition said its basis is a complaint-affidavit in “the alleged kickback scheme tied to flood control projects, purportedly masterminded by the respondent, with the total amount of such kickbacks reaching approximately [P56 billion].” Article continues after this advertisement Romualdez has denied being the mastermind of such a scheme. Inquirer sought Romualdez’s lawyer Ade Fajardo for comment, but he has yet to respond as of posting. Article continues after this advertisement “We are not done collecting evidence. We are not done filing cases,” Clavano said. “The investigation reveals more and more each day and each week.” Romualdez’s plunder complaint is now the subject of a “full and formal inquiry” where he and his other co-respondents be given chance to answer the complaints against them. Zaldy Co as co-respondents After receiving their response, the investigation will be submitted for resolution, and the decision will lie with the panel of prosecutors whether or not the case should be filed in the Sandiganbayan, according to Clavano. Clavano identified resigned Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co, and “more than 10 congressmen” as respondents in the complaint. Co’s bodyguards He also said the Ombudsman also used as evidence the sworn testimony of eight of Co’s former bodyguards, who, Clavano noted, were present and witnessed the exchanges first hand. “This is not hearsay passed down secondhand,” he said. “It is firsthand account from those who were there.” However, he noted that the Ombudsman did not rely on the testimony of Co’s bodyguards alone. “It is corroborated by an independent evidentiary trail — from money exchange companies to bank transfers to shell companies – all using personalities tied to the former Speaker – Martin Romualdez,” he said. Furthermore, Clavano said “records drawn from the anti-money laundering council, money service businesses, and corporate structures that our investigators allege were used as instruments in this scheme, when read together, tell one consistent story.” He also said: “In an apparent attempt to cover up the extraordinary wealth, the money was exchanged, co-mingled and laundered through an elaborate scheme.” “The result? Numerous luxury houses and condominiums, extravagant investments in different industries, and enough money left to change narratives, buy opinions and attempts to destroy and manipulate evidence.” /apl Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful.