Metro Manila, Philippines – Notwithstanding the withdrawal of statements on the flood control scam against Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, the Office of the Ombudsman said it has 28 witnesses in active service who have tagged the president’s cousin in the high-stakes corruption.
The office issued the statement on Thursday, Aug, 20, after the reported recantation of Orly Guteza, former security aide of fugitive ex-lawmaker Zaldy Co.
In 2025, Guteza testified at the Senate flood control probe that he delivered suitcases of cash to Romualdez from public works project kickbacks.
“Hindi bago ang recantation sa mga high-profile case. Classic pressure tactic ito. Hindi umiikot ang buong imbestigasyon sa iisa o kahit sa iilang witnesses,” the office said.
[Translation: Recantations are not new in high-profile cases. This is a classic pressure tactic. The investigation does not just revolve on just one or a few witnesses.]
Romualdez is facing complaints with multiple charges including plunder before the ombudsman, which is now under preliminary investigation – a step where prosecutors evaluate whether there is sufficient evidence to file the case in court.
The ombudsman also warned that those who would obstruct the proceedings would face consequences under the law. Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla earlier accused Romualdez as behind the recantation of at least four self-confessed bodyguards of Co.
“Hindi hihinto ang paghahanap ng katotohanan kahit ayaw pang magsalita ninuman,” the ombudsman said.
[Translation: We won’t stop searching for the truth even though others won’t speak up.]
30 statements clearing Romualdez
In a press briefing, Ade Fajardo, spokesperson for Romualdez, said his client is in possession of 30 statements disputing allegations against the Leyte lawmaker.
Fajardo was referring to the earlier withdrawal of testimony of Co’s four security aides, Guteza’s reported recantation, and 25 supposed drivers and aides of the former lawmaker.
He said the 25 statements were attached to the supplemental counter statement that Romualdez’s lawyer, Felix Villa, filed with the ombudsman Thursday afternoon.
“Pinasisinungalingan nitong malalapit na associates ni former Congressman Zaldy Co, his family, and his corporations Sunwest, na may nangyaring ganyan,” Fajardo said.
[Translation: The close associates of former Congressman Zaldy Co, his family, and his corporations, Sunwest, would deny the allegations against the former speaker.]
Fajardo said the 25 people were represented by their own lawyer, who wrote to the National Bureau of Investigation, Department of Justice, and the ombudsman. He noted that Romualdez’s legal team received copies of their submissions through counsel.
Meanwhile, he said Romualdez was not behind the recantations of Co’s former bodyguards.
He added that with the withdrawal of testimonies, it is clear that there is no evidence against the former speaker.
“We remain confident that in a fair investigating body, mapapatunayan naming walang basehan ang mga akusasyon laban kay Rep. Romualdez,” Fajardo said.
