Ombudsman defends use of bodyguards in Romualdez case

Amid concerns over the credibility of the 18 self-proclaimed bodyguards of former congressman Zaldy Co, the Office of the Ombudsman maintained that their testimonies when told individually painted a clear picture that former House Speaker Martin Romualdez received flood control kickbacks.

In a statement, the Ombudsman acknowledged that it was truly difficult to believe that all 18 individuals were present during all the supposed deliveries of cash-filled luggages to numerous public officials.

Eager to make use of their claims, however, state investigators opted to gather separate statements from the group in order to establish a more credible trail of information.

“When they executed individual affidavits, our investigators determined that the details were clear and consistent insofar as the cash deliveries of Zaldy to Martin are concerned,” the investigative body said.

“In fact, the investigators have obtained independent supporting evidence to back up the statements,” it added.

The Ombudsman also noted that it was expecting for the camp of Romualdez and Co to provide their responses to the allegations “very soon,” stressing that it would resolve from the points of the defense on whether or not the case would be filed to the court.

To recall, the two public figures allegedly conspired in the commission of plunder, direct and indirect bribery, graft, and money laundering through amassing P56 billion in infrastructure project kickbacks from a period of 2022 to 2025.

The funds that were supposedly directed at the representative from Leyte were funneled to various companies that were owned by his close associates.

Notably, while Romualdez served as speaker of the House of Representatives, Co was the chairperson of the powerful House Committee on Appropriations which handles the determination of the national budget.

Why use witnesses with perjury cases?

Romualdez, on the other hand, have maintained their vehement objection to the use of witnesses that were not only publicly questioned, but were also facing criminal charges.

He further maintained that he would not back down from the fight, stressing that he will continue to fight for what he believed was right.

“I am just hoping for fair justice, but the Ombudsman is using witnesses he himself and now the DOJ have already publicly discredited–and who are now facing cyberlibel and perjury charges,” the solon said.

“Is this a fair investigation? Witnesses that have been discredited and have been charged with cyberlibel and perjury–used for the sole purpose of singling me out,” he added.