A legal representative for Leyte 1st District Representative and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez has voiced serious concerns regarding the Ombudsman’s investigation into alleged flood control project corruption, pointing to what he describes as an unfair focus on his client.
Attorney Ade Fajardo confirmed that Romualdez is ready to address potential plunder and money laundering claims during the Office of the Ombudsman’s preliminary investigation, provided the proceedings remain impartial.
“Handa siyang harapin ang lahat ng paratang na ito. Pero sa tamang proseso, ano po. ‘Yun naman ang aming postion, na given an equal play ika nga dito sa mga usaping ito,” Fajardo said in an radio interview.
This statement aligns with Romualdez’s earlier calls for “equal justice” and “fair judgment” amid the ongoing controversy.
Reliance on Discredited “Maleta Boys” Testimonies Questioned
Fajardo raised alarms over the Ombudsman’s reliance on affidavits from 18 bodyguards tied to former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co. Dubbed the “maleta boys,” these individuals allegedly acted as conduits for flood control kickbacks.
The defense team questioned why the Ombudsman continues to weigh these testimonies when the Department of Justice (DOJ) has already filed perjury and libel charges against the witnesses.
“Hindi pinaniniwalaan ng [DOJ] by filing perjury and libel charges against them on the one hand. But on the other hand…the Office of the Ombudsman ay binibigyan tila baga ng bigat etong mga testimonya na ito,” he said.
Furthermore, Fajardo highlighted that while the initial joint affidavit implicated over 20 lawmakers, Romualdez appears to be the sole remaining target following the dismissal of the original document.
“Napansin natin nung February, ang pinangalanan ng mga maleta boys are more than 20 individuals na hinatiran daw nila ng pera. Ngayon, dahil dinismiss na ‘yung mother affidavit, yung original joint affidavit nila, eh tila naubos na lahat ang mga taong yan, officially sa records ng Ombudsman, except na ang naiwan ay si congressman Romualdez,” he said.
”Yun po an nakakalungkot at nakakabahala dahil para bang nakalock o lahat abswelto, at siya lang ang naiwan dito sa allegation ng maleta boys. Sa kanya o sa amin din, sa ganang amin hindi po ito ang pinangakong pantay-pantay na proseso para sa lahat,” Fajardo stressed.
Romualdez Remains in PH, Denies Direct Involvement
Refuting rumors that the lawmaker fled the country to avoid prosecution, Fajardo affirmed that the former Speaker remains in the Philippines actively fulfilling his legislative duties for his district.
“Hindi naman tumatakas si Congressman Romualdez na nanatili sa bansa…Inaasikaso niya yung kanyang constituents at siyempre, he is complying with his legislative function as Leyte representative.”
Fajardo maintained that no direct evidence links Romualdez to the corruption scheme, noting that the former House leader played no role in project implementation and that his involvement in the 2025 national budget was strictly limited to signing the measure.