Ombudsman Orders Romualdez, Co to Answer Plunder, Graft Complaints

The Philippine Ombudsman has ordered Leyte Rep. and former Speaker Martin Romualdez and his co-accused to answer complaints filed against them concerning plunder and graft, its spokesperson Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said on Tuesday. This development came after Ombudsman investigators filed a supplemental complaint-affidavit for plunder, direct bribery, and graft on July 20. The case involves Romualdez, former Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Director General Teresita Chua Co, and several others. According to the complaint, Romualdez and Co allegedly engaged in graft in connection with a contract worth P180 million for the "Services and Assistance to Investors in the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA)" project, which PEZA entered into on November 23, 2023, and was awarded on December 11, 2023. The complaint claims that PEZA officials, upon Romualdez's alleged instruction, manipulated the bidding process to favor a specific company. This manipulation allegedly excluded other legitimate bidders, resulting in the contract being awarded under terms favorable to the favored entity. This case highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in Philippine governance, particularly in contract processes involving public officials. The order to respond signifies the ongoing legal proceedings and the scrutiny under which such transactions are being placed. Information Source: Inquirer NewsInfo