Romualdez to remain in PH to clear name amid graft allegations

MANILA, Philippines — Former House Speaker and Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez remains in the country and intends to stay to clear his name, his spokesperson Elaine Atienza said, refuting intelligence reports that he was attempting to leave. "We deny in the strongest possible way any insinuation that Rep. Romualdez has attempted to evade the legal process," Atienza said in a statement. "Let us repeat: Rep. Romualdez has never gone into hiding." "He is in the country and will remain in the country until such time that he will be able to clear his name," she added. This comes after Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano cited "credible intelligence reports" that Romualdez "has not ceased attempting to leave the country." State prosecutors have yet to file a case against Romualdez before the Sandiganbayan, but the anti-graft court has granted the Ombudsman’s petition for a precautionary hold departure order (PHDO) against him. The PHDO petition cited a complaint-affidavit regarding an alleged kickback scheme tied to flood control projects, purportedly masterminded by the respondent, with total kickbacks reaching approximately P56 billion. Romualdez has repeatedly denied these accusations. Clavano also announced that the plunder and money laundering complaints against Romualdez have reached the preliminary investigation stage. Atienza said Romualdez’s camp has not yet been formally served a copy of the complaint and vowed a full response. "We respect all legal processes. That is precisely why we believe this matter should be resolved where our laws require it to be resolved—in the proper legal forum, after both sides have been fully heard," Atienza said. "We remain confident that once the facts are examined objectively and the evidence is tested under the law, Rep. Romualdez will be able to clear his name," she added. /jpv