Romualdez to remain in PH to clear name, says spokesperson

Martin Romualdez FILE PHOTO MANILA, Philippines — Former House Speaker and Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez remains in the country, his spokesperson Elaine Atienza said on Monday. Atienza made this in response to the pronouncement of Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano, citing “credible intelligence reports” that Romualdez “has not ceased attempting to leave the country.” READ: Gardiola raps under review; Romualdez plunder case near filing Article continues after this advertisement “We deny in the strongest possible way any insinuation that Rep. Romualdez has attempted to evade the legal process,” Atienza said in a statement. “Let us repeat: Rep. Romualdez has never gone into hiding.” “He is in the country and will remain in the country until such time that he will be able to clear his name,” she added, partly in Filipino. State prosecutors have yet to file a case against Romualdez before the Sandiganbayan, but the anti-graft court granted the Ombudsman’s petition for a precautionary hold departure order (PHDO) against Romualdez. The PHDO petition said its basis is 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].” Romualdez has repeatedly denied such accusations. Clavano also announced that the plunder and money laundering complaints against Romualdez have reached the preliminary investigation stage. Article continues after this advertisement Atienza said Romualdez has not yet been formally served with a copy of the complaint, and she said their camp will fully respond. “We respect all legal processes. That is precisely why we believe this matter should be resolved where our laws require it to be resolved—in the proper legal forum, after both sides have been fully heard,” Atienza said. Article continues after this advertisement “We remain confident that once the facts are examined objectively and the evidence is tested under the law, Rep. Romualdez will be able to clear his name,” she added. /jpv Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful.