The camp of Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez said Friday that the former House speaker is prepared to answer allegations filed against him in connection with the flood control controversy.
Romualdez’s spokesperson, lawyer Elaine Atienza, said the lawmaker is ready to face any complaint through the proper legal process and remains confident that evidence will support his position.
The statement came after reports that a special panel of investigators from the Office of the Ombudsman had moved to conduct a preliminary investigation on complaints involving allegations of plunder, direct and indirect bribery, graft, and violations of the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA) against Romualdez and other individuals.
Atienza said Romualdez has consistently maintained that he will respond to allegations through legal proceedings.
“Tulad po ng nasabi na namin noon pa man, handa si Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez na harapin ang anumang reklamo laban sa kanya,” Atienza said.
The complaints seek a preliminary investigation to determine whether probable cause exists to file charges before the Sandiganbayan.
Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano earlier said the complaint was based on the fact-finding investigation conducted by the Office of the Ombudsman regarding alleged irregularities in flood control projects and Romualdez’s reported involvement.
Atienza said Romualdez believes a fair process based on evidence would allow him to present his side.
“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.
She also urged the public to allow the legal process to proceed before making conclusions regarding the allegations.
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