Romualdez camp: Ombudsman trying to keep case alive with statements

The Office of the Ombudsman is facing criticism from the legal team of Leyte Representative Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, who alleges that the agency is attempting to prolong its ongoing investigation into the congressman by making public statements following witness recantations. According to Atty. Ade Fajardo, Romualdez's lawyer and spokesperson, the Ombudsman's recent comments suggest an effort to maintain the viability of the case despite the withdrawal of key testimonies. Fajardo expressed disagreement with Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano’s assertion that recanted statements could serve as new evidence. He argued that comparing initial accounts with subsequent retractions and additional testimonies should resolve discrepancies rather than accumulate them. “We respectfully disagree,” Fajardo stated, suggesting that the Ombudsman’s statements might be aimed solely at keeping the case active. He further emphasized that based on their evaluation of the recantations, the legal team believes the case lacks substantial merit. “In our estimation, in our appreciation of these recantations, our position is that there is no case; it is really so weak,” Fajardo remarked. Romualdez, who previously served as the Speaker of the House of Representatives during the 19th Congress and part of the 20th Congress, faces allegations of facilitating budget insertions to support questionable infrastructure programs and receiving kickbacks from such projects. However, Romualdez and his legal team consistently deny involvement in any misconduct, asserting that as Speaker, he did not have direct oversight of all aspects of the budget-making process within Congress. Several witnesses, including Orly Guteza and 18 former security aides of former Ako Bicol party-list representative Elizaldy Co, initially testified to being involved in a scheme involving the delivery of cash. Romualdez was among the lawmakers named as recipients of suitcases of cash from Co, who held the position of chairperson of the House committee on appropriations during the 19th Congress. However, Guteza and some of the 18 bodyguards have since recanted their previous statements regarding the delivery of money. Guteza claimed in an affidavit dated August 13 that he had no personal knowledge of the alleged delivery of suitcases containing cash at Co’s residence in Pasig or to Romualdez’s home in Taguig. He suggested that the fabricated narrative was the result of collaboration between Senator Rodante Marcoleta and former Anakalusugan party-list representative Mike Defensor. Earlier this August, four of the 18 former security aides of Co indicated in a report broadcast by GMA’s 24 Oras that they signed the joint affidavit due to promises of financial assistance. They referenced the affidavit they signed and presented during a press briefing on February 24, 2026, alongside Baligod, their lawyer. These individuals echoed Guteza’s claims, stating they were involved in the delivery of cash from Co to various lawmakers. Romualdez has leveraged these recantations to argue that the charges against him should be dismissed. On August 20, Romualdez’s legal team submitted a supplemental counter-affidavit to the Office of the Ombudsman, citing the recantations and the sworn statements of 25 of Co’s former drivers and security aides as grounds for dismissing the complaints against him. Additionally, Romualdez’s camp has pointed out that Baligod encouraged 25 of Co’s aides to join the group of 18 bodyguards in making similar claims. This development adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing legal proceedings, highlighting the shifting nature of witness testimonies and the potential impact on the case's trajectory. As the situation unfolds, the Office of the Ombudsman continues to assess the validity of the remaining testimonies and the implications of the recantations. Legal experts are closely watching how the Ombudsman will proceed, particularly in light of the evolving narratives and the potential influence of external pressures on witness statements.