A lawyer of former House Speaker Martin Romualdez on Thursday raised strong objections over the inclusion of former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan in the ongoing flood control investigation, questioning his credibility and the Ombudsman’s decision to consider him as a potential state witness.
Lawyer Ade Fajardo, one of Romualdez’s spokespersons, said Bonoan is allegedly “deeply involved” in the questioned flood control projects, adding that he should not be treated as a credible witness in the case.
Fajardo described the former DPWH chief as the “most polluted,” “very biased,” and “not the least guilty” source, and expressed surprise that the Office of the Ombudsman is reportedly considering his testimony.
He also argued that Bonoan should instead be made to return around PHP1 billion in alleged kickbacks from flood control projects, citing claims made by former DPWH undersecretary-turned-state witness Roberto Bernardo.
“It’s very alarming. Because even way before these events… ay hindi po nababangit si Cong. Martin Romualdez ni dating Sec. Manuel Bonoan (Bonoan has never mentioned Romualdez),” Fajardo said.
Fajardo added that Bonoan did not implicate Romualdez even in statements submitted to the Independent Commission on Infrastructure, which earlier looked into the alleged irregularities in flood control projects.
He questioned the timing of Bonoan’s alleged mention of Romualdez in the case, suggesting that it may be aimed at securing legal benefits.
“Nakakabahala na isang taon na ang nakalipas at ngayon lang niya babanggitin for the first time para lang sabihin at ma-discharge siya, mabigyan siya ng immunity, hindi na siya makukulong dahil sasabihin lang niya ang magic words na Martin Romualdez,” he said.
Fajardo further claimed that Bonoan may be “speculating or guessing” on Romualdez’s alleged involvement in order to protect himself from liability.
He also suggested that linking Romualdez to the controversy is being used to strengthen claims that a “big fish” is involved in the alleged scheme, pointing out the former Speaker’s relationship to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
“So, parang it’s a popular position to take: name someone supposedly or they think very close to the official family para lang magkaroon ng credibility ang sinasabi nilang ‘big fish,’” he added.
Despite the allegations, Fajardo said Romualdez is ready to face any complaint that may be filed, stressing that the former Speaker will not evade accountability.
“Wala pong attempt, wala pong kaisipan ang ating former Speaker na tumakas po sa obligasyon o pananagutan kung meron… he has always maintained, there is no such anomalous transaction to back up the allegations against him,” Fajardo said.
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