Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla has accused the camp of former House Speaker and Leyte 1st District Representative Martin Romualdez of orchestrating the recantation of testimonies from three former bodyguards of ex-Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co.
Speaking at a press conference, Remulla framed the move as a sign of desperation, maintaining that state prosecutors have built an airtight case regardless.
“You make a big thing out of it, but I tell you, it’s to our advantage makikita mo talaga how desperate that camp is to take away the witnesses against them because we have built a solid case already,” he said.
When pressed to identify who was behind the retractions, Remulla explicitly pointed to Romualdez’s inner circle.
“The camp of former [House] speaker Romualdez, his lawyer, his strategists, his advisers—‘yung mga tumutulong sa kanya kasama na ‘yan,” he noted.
“They’re trying to do it. They’re desperate,” he stated, asking, “Sino pa ba ang ibang makikinabang dyan kapag nag-recant ‘yan?”
Remulla assured the public that the prosecution’s case does not hinge solely on the bodyguards, as investigators have compiled additional corroborating evidence.
He also announced that because the three bodyguards withdrew their cooperation, they will lose their protection and face charges as co-accused alongside the primary respondents.
“That’s not the only evidence that we have. Marami kaming ibang ebidensya pa,” he maintained.
“They will be charged. As part of the accused. Kasi nga kaya nga hindi sila chinarge kasi nga tumitestigo sila,” Remulla explained.
“Kapag hindi sila tumestigo, i-cha-charge namin nila. Co-accused na sila [ni Martin Romualdez]. Accessories after the fact. Pinagtatakpan nila,” he added.
The Ombudsman previously announced preliminary investigation complaints against Romualdez, Co, and several others for alleged plunder and Anti-Money Laundering Act violations involving flood control project irregularities.
Romualdez has consistently denied the allegations, claiming Remulla relies on compromised witnesses facing cyberlibel and perjury charges.