THE ONCE MIGHTY and influential presidential kin has been finally charged with a non-bailable plunder case over alleged billions in kickbacks from government-funded flood control projects.
After months of blabbering, the Office of the Ombudsman on Monday formally filed a plunder case against former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, along with fugitive Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co and two other individuals in cahoots.
According to Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla, more charges would be filed against Romualdez in the near future. He however declined to elaborate – “We don’t want to have a case that is still raw.”
“We want the evidence to be there already. That’s what we did here, the process was not easy.”
Based on the charge sheet, Romualdez and Co received commissions, shares, percentages, kickbacks, ‘commitments’ and other pecuniary benefits” worth at least P7.44 billion.
Aside from Co, also charged were Romualdez’ staff Jocelyn Sereño and businessman Felicito Guevarra.
The amount allegedly came from contractors, persons and entities with interests in flood control, infrastructure and/or other government projects funded under the General Appropriations Acts for fiscal years 2022 to 2025, according to the information.
Furthermore, the information stated this amount was “specifically traced and laundered in setting up and/or using shell or dummy corporations and conduits” allegedly received by Sereño.
According to the Ombudsman’s resolution, Romualdez allegedly gave a P2 billion monthly “quota” for kickbacks.
This case has since been raffled off to the Sandiganbayan Third Division.
A political analyst welcomed the Ombudsman’s move, saying “the Ombudsman has fulfilled his promise.”
“But the filing of the complaint is just a first step,” the Inquirer quoted the message of Michael Henry Yusingco, a nonresident research fellow at the Ateneo School of Government.
“The Ombudsman must still prosecute the case and ensure a conviction verdict. And this is where we begin to feel anxious again.”
Inquirer sought but failed to get a comment from Romualdez’ camp as of posting.
Marcos, in his fifth State of the Nation Address in July, said “we have to do what is right” as the anti-graft body is preparing to file cases against his cousin Romualdez.
Romualdez said he “respects” the statement of Marcos as he repeatedly denied charges against him, saying he is ready to prove that he did not do anything illegal.