Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco challenged the administration to prove that its anti-corruption campaign applies to all, citing recent statements from Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano regarding the ongoing investigation into the alleged flood control anomaly.

Tiangco issued the statement after Clavano said the case against former House Speaker Martin Romualdez continues to gain strength with the addition of new witnesses.

According to Clavano, among those expected to bolster the case are former Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan, whose testimony is expected to help establish the circumstances surrounding the implementation of flood control projects, and several former bodyguards of former Appropriations Committee chairman Zaldy Co.

Clavano earlier said the statements of the former bodyguards were consistent with other evidence already gathered by investigators. He also publicly identified Romualdez as the alleged “mastermind” behind the anomaly under investigation.

For Tiangco, the developments present an opportunity for the administration to demonstrate that its campaign against corruption is impartial.

“Kung talagang walang kinalaman ang administrasyon sa mga katiwaliang ito, dapat mas pursigido rin itong papanagutin ang mga kakampi o maging kamag-anak na pinagsamantalahan umano ang kanilang pagiging malapit sa administrasyon upang nakawan ang mamamayan,” Tiangco said.

“Mismong ang Office of the Ombudsman ang nagsasabing lalo pang lumalakas ang kaso at gagamitin pa ang mga testimonya ng mga dating bodyguard ni Zaldy Co upang higit pang patibayin ito. Kung ganoon, dapat mas lalo pang ipakita ng administrasyon na walang sinuman ang untouchable,” he added.

Tiangco said those responsible for planning and benefiting from the alleged scheme should also be held accountable.

“Dapat managot ang tunay na may pakana at umano’y ‘mastermind’ sa pinakamalaking corruption scandal sa kasaysayan ng ating bansa. Higit sa lahat, dapat maibalik ang perang ninakaw sa taong bayan,” he said.

He also urged the administration to show that it would not be intimidated by any threats related to the case.

“Panahon na ring patunayan ng administrasyon na hindi ito natitinag sa mga banta ni Romualdez, gaya ng, ‘I will not go down alone,’” Tiangco said.

The lawmaker reiterated that accountability should not stop with those allegedly involved in carrying out the scheme but should extend to anyone who planned, directed, or benefited from it.

“The Filipino people deserve nothing less than equal justice under the law. Hindi pwedeng maliit na isda lang ang nakukulong at hindi makulong ang mastermind,” Tiangco said.