Lawmakers' graft complaints under review; Romualdez plunder case nearing filing

MANILA, Philippines — The Office of the Ombudsman is evaluating conflict of interest complaints against several lawmakers, with its chief, Jesus Crispin Remulla, confirming on Friday that CWS party-list Rep. Edwin Gardiola, Tarlac 2nd District Rep. Cristy Angeles, and Pampanga 3rd District Rep. Dong Gonzales are under review. Remulla stated that these legislators could be liable under Section 3(h) of Republic Act 3019, the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, which prohibits individuals from having financial or pecuniary interest in any business, contract, or transaction in which they intervene or take part in their official capacity. He noted that while this provision has been overlooked for a long time, its terms are very clear. Angeles, in a statement on Friday, expressed her respect for institutions and pledged full cooperation with the Ombudsman's office, promising to present necessary explanations and documents. She also requested that due process be respected and speculation be avoided. Remulla clarified that the cases against Angeles and Gonzales are in the preliminary investigation stage, meaning they are still undergoing fact-finding. The status of Gardiola's complaint was not immediately clear. Fact-finding is the initial step conducted by investigators from the anti-graft body. This process is typically confidential, though exceptions exist if it involves national security or has reached national significance. Preliminary investigation follows, where respondents are informed of the complaints and can submit counter-affidavits. In a related development, Remulla announced that the plunder case against Rep. Martin Romualdez is "just about ready for preliminary investigation," indicating it is also in the fact-finding phase. State prosecutors have yet to file the plunder case against Romualdez before the Sandiganbayan. However, the anti-graft court has granted the Ombudsman's petition for a precautionary hold departure order against Romualdez during the proceedings. The complaint against Romualdez involves an alleged kickback scheme tied to flood control projects, purportedly masterminded by him, with the total amount of such kickbacks reaching approximately P56 billion. Romualdez has consistently denied these accusations, asserting that budget decisions were made by former appropriations committee chairperson Zaldy Co and Senator Chiz Escudero. "We're very close to filing the plunder charges but we still have to cross the T’s and dot some I’s and probably put periods in sentences," Remulla said regarding the plunder complaints against Romualdez, underscoring the imminent filing. /jpv