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On Friday, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. announced that the Ombudsman will be investigating all the evidence collected by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI). This investigation could lead to criminal charges against former Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez and former Ako Bicol party-list Representative Elizaldy S. Co.
“I want to let everyone know that all the information gathered by the ICI and the DPWH will be handed over to the Ombudsman for their investigation,” he shared in a Facebook post in Filipino.
“This involves details about former Speaker Martin Romualdez and Zaldy Co. Once all the evidence is reviewed and confirmed, we might file cases for plunder or anti-graft or indirect bribery,” he added.
Mr. Marcos expressed confidence that the Ombudsman will follow the leads from the agencies. “Wherever the evidence takes us, that’s where our investigation will go.”
In a joint report, the DPWH and ICI recommended plunder, graft, and bribery charges against Mr. Romualdez and Mr. Co for their alleged roles in dubious flood control projects.
DPWH Secretary Vince B. Dizon mentioned that the report includes contracts from Sunwest Inc. and Hi-Tone Construction dating from 2016 to 2025, along with testimonies from retired Sgt. Orly Guteza, who stated he was Mr. Co’s former security aide during a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing.
“The recommended actions on the second to last page include a violation of Republic Act 7080, which defines and penalizes plunder; violations of Section 3A, B, E, and H of Republic Act 3019, known as the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act; and finally, a violation of Article 210 of the Revised Penal Code regarding direct bribery,” he explained during a press conference.
Mr. Romualdez told DZBB Super Radyo that he is ready to face any investigations or charges against him. He has previously denied claims of receiving kickbacks related to flood control projects, accusations brought forth by contractor duo Cezarah Rowena “Sarah” Discaya and Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya II during a Senate hearing in September.
Meanwhile, in a video statement on November 17, Mr. Co called himself a “poster boy,” accusing Mr. Marcos, Mr. Romualdez, and other Cabinet members of having “insertions” worth P100 billion in the national budget.
“They’ve turned me into a poster boy for their lies. Well, I won’t stay silent; I’m going to reveal the truth,” he declared in Filipino. “There are receipts, evidence, and names.” — Almira Louse S. Martinez
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