ATOM slams ‘selective’ graft drive under Marcos

The August Twenty-One Movement (ATOM) criticized on Sunday what it claimed to be the slow pace of accountability in the country, urging the public to closely monitor the plunder case against former House Speaker Martin Romualdez and ensure that the proceedings lead to justice.

The group called on Filipinos to keep watch over the Office of the Ombudsman and the Sandiganbayan, saying Romualdez’s detention should be followed by sustained efforts to hold those accused of corruption accountable.

“The first step here is to see a Martin Romualdez behind bars. We need to win accountability. We cannot grow tired of keeping watch,” Tinding Pilipinas co-convenor Kiko Aquino-Dee said during its “ROAR Against Corruption” protest along Ayala Avenue in Makati City.

Romualdez is facing a P7.44-billion plunder case before the Sandiganbayan over allegations that he and other officials received kickbacks from government infrastructure and flood control projects. He has pleaded not guilty and is seeking bail.

ATOM said that despite Romualdez’s detention, accountability under the Marcos administration remained slow, with signs of selectivity persisting.

“His [Marcos] cousin is now in jail, and Romualdez continues to wait for his bail hearing to be handed its final decision. True accountability continues to be slow, and some hints of selectivity remain,” the group said, referring to the administration’s handling of corruption allegations.

Marcos, too

The allegations against Romualdez extend to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. himself.

Former Ako Bicol Partylist Representative Zaldy Co has claimed that he, his staff and his security personnel delivered suitcases of cash to residences linked to both men, allegedly representing kickbacks from flood control projects.

Co has alleged that the deliveries totaled billions of pesos. Marcos has denied wrongdoing, while Malacañang previously dismissed Co’s accusations as hearsay.

Some of Co’s former bodyguards also later recanted their claims of delivering cash, complicating the allegations.

ATOM played a key role in the 1986 People Power Revolution that toppled President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.

Formed after the assassination of Sen. Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. in 1983, the movement helped mobilize public opposition to the dictatorship, organize protests and sustain the campaign for democracy that culminated in Marcos’ ouster.

Jonvic scored

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla was also criticized by ATOM for admitting difficulties in arresting several high-profile individuals, including former Ako Bicol Partylist Representative Zaldy Co, Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa and businessman Atong Ang.