The Office of the Ombudsman has given former House Speaker and Leyte 1st District Representative Martin Romualdez and several co-respondents a 15-day deadline to submit their counter-affidavits regarding alleged irregularities in flood control projects.
Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano confirmed the directive on Tuesday, July 28, clarifying that the 15-day countdown begins once the respondents officially receive the order from the preliminary investigation panel.
“When all parties have submitted [their counter-affidavits], the case will be submitted for resolution,” Clavano stated.
Romualdez, a cousin of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., is among those under investigation over the reported project anomalies.
Following President Marcos’s reference to the flood control probes during his State of the Nation Address on July 27, the Ombudsman expressed appreciation for being allowed to conduct its duties without interference.
The office expressed gratitude that it was left free to carry out its constitutional mandate and follow the evidence wherever it leads, “including to those closest to the President himself.”
“This is how accountability is meant to function: no favor asked, none given,” the Ombudsman added.
Reaffirming its commitment to impartiality, the agency stated it will handle the investigation with resolve, pursuing the case “steadily, fairly and without fear or favor,” for as long as the evidence and the law allow.