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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Ombudsman Remulla: "We will follow the evidence' on recommended charges vs Romualdez, Co

Ombudsman Remulla: "We will follow the evidence' on recommended charges vs Romualdez, Co

Published Nov 21, 2025 01:03 pm
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said that his office "will follow the evidence" in the reports filed by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) against former House Speaker Martin Romualdez and resigned congressman Zaldy Co.
The ICI and the DPWH recommended the filing of plunder, graft and indirect bribery charges against Romualdez and Co in the “anomalous” flood control projects.
Remulla said: "We will have to evaluate it. We have to look at the contents of the recommendation and the documents so we will know how to act on the matter. Everything is evidence-based. We cannot file cases without evidence.”
He was interviewed at the sidelines of the Pilipinas Conference 2025 by Stratbase in Makati City.
Remulla said his office will evaluate the reports first, and then conduct a fact-finding investigation if the need arises before passing it on to preliminary investigation.
"Kasi nga kung hilaw ang kaso, kailangan muna ng case build-up bago kami mag-preliminary investigation, (Because if the case lacks sufficient evidence, we need a case build-up before we can conduct a preliminary investigation)," he said.
He also said the case can range from a few days to a few months, and it will all depend on the evidence they can gather.
He admitted that he has not seen the reports that have been filed, and he can only act on it on Monday as he has prior commitments on Friday, Nov. 21.
He added: "I haven't seen it, so I cannot tell you what cases I will file. We will have to evaluate everything."
Based on the referral of the ICI and DPWH, Romualdez, Co, and the members of the board of directors of Sunwest, Inc. and Hi-Tone Construction and Development Corporation should be charged with violations of Republic Act No. 7080 or Plunder; Sections 3(a), (b), (e), and (h) of Republic Act No. 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act; and Article 210 of the Revised Penal Code on direct bribery.
"It is further noted that the findings herein are only preliminary in nature and without prejudice to any additional findings of liability or the possible implication of other persons that may arise in the course of the evaluation and/or investigation by the Office of the Ombudsman," the referral also stated.
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