Romualdez Camp Seeks Comment Opportunity on Flood Controversy Allegations

FORMER House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, through his legal counsel, called on the Office of the Ombudsman to allow the lawmaker to comment on new allegations linked to the multibillion flood controversy. Abdiel Dan Elijah S. Fajardo, legal spokesperson for Mr. Romualdez, sought a chance to address accusations amid concerns that former Public Works Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan is being pressured to link the Leyte representative to the flood control scandal. “There is also the report that the Ombudsman has 28 new witnesses. We would like to know if there is any statement from them against our client, and we would like as well to have the opportunity to respond,” Mr. Fajardo said in a statement. Mr. Fajardo said fair play and due process must be accorded to his camp. Mr. Romualdez is facing preliminary complaints related to plunder, bribery, graft, and money laundering linked to the multibillion-peso flood control scandal. On Aug. 20, Mr. Romualdez also appealed to the Ombudsman in a supplemental affidavit to stop the preliminary investigation against him following the withdrawal of allegations made by five of the 18 alleged bagmen. — Kaela Patricia B. Gabriel