Atty. Ade Fajardo, legal counsel for former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, asserted on Thursday, August 27, that the Office of the Ombudsman has no legal grounds to proceed with corruption charges related to flood control projects against his client.
Fajardo argued that the case against the Leyte 1st District Representative should be thrown out following the retractions of 32 key witnesses, including alleged bagman Orly Guteza.
He noted that the individuals who recanted their statements were former employees of former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co, who currently faces an arrest warrant from the Sandiganbayan over the same controversy.
Addressing the media, Fajardo expressed confidence that the complaint would not hold up in court.
“Wala po kaming nakikitang dahilan kaya ang aming panalangin, ang aming hiling sa tanggapan ng Ombudsman ay i-dismiss na po ito, ibasura na itong reklamo laban kay former Speaker Romualdez,” Fajardo stated.
The legal counsel further challenged the credibility of the remaining claims, emphasizing that opposing testimonies have debunked allegations of cash-filled luggage being delivered.
“Wala pong credible witness, kasi nga marami ng naglabasan na mga cross witnesses na sinasabing walang nangyaring ganyang delivery ng maleta eh. Eto po ay galing na sa iisang grupo. Pareho silang mga drivers, security, administrative aide ni former Congressman Zaldy Co,” he explained.
Fajardo highlighted that no witness, contractor, or public official has directly linked Romualdez to the scheme.
He specifically pointed out that former Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan, along with local district engineers and field personnel, never implicated the former Speaker in any irregular flood control project.
Additionally, Fajardo questioned the Ombudsman’s recent claim of having 28 new witnesses, noting that the defense has yet to receive details regarding their identities or statements.
“’Yun ang naging statement last week ng tanggapan ng Ombudsman. Pero hanggang ngayon po hindi pa namin nakikita or nababasa or nalalaman kung sino itong 28 witnesses,” he added.