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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Romualdez hoping for 'fair judgement' as he faces plunder case

Romualdez hoping for 'fair judgement' as he faces plunder case

Published Jul 24, 2026 06:37 pm
Leyte 1st district Rep. Martin Romualdez (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)
Leyte 1st district Rep. Martin Romualdez (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)


The camp of Leyte 1st district Rep. Martin Romualdez is banking on 'fair judgement' in his potential plunder case, even as the official continues to claim innocence from any wrongdoing.
"Tulad po ng nasabi na namin noon pa man, handa si Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez na harapin ang anumang reklamo laban sa kanya," Romualdez's spokesperson, lawyer Elaine Atienza said in a statement on Friday afternoon, July 24.
(As we have stated before, Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez is ready to face any complaint against him.)
"Naniniwala kami na kung magkakaroon ng patas na laban at patas na paghuhusga batay sa ebidensya, mapapatunayan ni Rep. Romualdez ang kanyang panig," she said of the two-time former Speaker of the House of Representatives.
(We believe that if there is a fair contest and fair judgment based on evidence, Rep. Romualdez will be able to prove his side.)
Earlier Friday, the Office of the Ombudsman’s Special Panel of Investigators has filed a supplemental complaint-affidavit seeking to include additional respondents in its complaint involving Romualdez and several others over alleged offenses that include plunder, bribery, graft, and money laundering.
Atienza further said: "Hinihiling lamang namin sa publiko na hayaang manaig ang proseso at ebidensya ang magpasya."
(We only ask the public to let the process prevail and allow the evidence to decide.)
Earleir, Romualdez through his legal counsel lawyer Ade Fajardo called "baseless" the claim of Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano that the former House Speaker was trying to flee the country.
Fajardo says the Leyte solon has remained in the country since the flood control controversy broke out.
The Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) president even personally appeared before the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), which President Marcos formed specifically to probe such issue.
Fajardo says that the Ombudsman’s announcement concerns only the commencement of a preliminary investigation and does not constitute a finding of guilt against Romualdez.
He reiterated that Romualdez was ready to face any complaint the Ombudsman may file against him.

Related Tags

plunder Ombudsman Martin Romualdez Flood control project
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