Former House Speaker and Leyte 1st District Representative Martin Romualdez accused Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla of “extreme prejudice” following claims that Romualdez influenced members of the so-called “maleta boys” to retract their statements.
Romualdez addressed the allegations in a statement issued Friday afternoon, August 7, denying any involvement in the recantations by former Marines linked to the case.
”The Ombudsman’s accusation that I am behind the recantations of the former Marines is absolutely not true. This shows how extremely prejudiced he is against me,” Romualdez said.
The former House leader, who is currently undergoing preliminary investigation for alleged money laundering connected to flood control project corruption, viewed the withdrawn testimonies as vindication.
The primary claims stem from 18 former security personnel associated with former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co, who alleged cash-filled luggage was delivered to high-ranking officials. Three of the 18 personnel have since recanted their affidavits.
”The recantations prove what I had been saying all along that the accusations against me are false and trumped up,” Romualdez noted, adding, “Hindi ganito ang patas na paghahanap ng katotohanan.”
Romualdez, a cousin of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., maintained his innocence and pledged to fight the ongoing investigation directly.
”I will not be intimidated. I will face every accusation against me, defend myself with the facts, the evidence, and the truth,” he declared.