Romualdez Spokesperson Clarifies: No Formal Cases Filed Against Lawmaker
The lawyer and spokesperson for Leyte Representative Martin Romualdez has clarified that no formal cases have been filed against the lawmaker in connection with recent reports about alleged complaints. In a statement, Atty. Ade Fajardo explained that the news coverage only referred to the preparation of a complaint, which has not yet been formally submitted to the Office of the Ombudsman.
No Probable Cause or Decisions Yet
According to Fajardo, there is currently no identified probable cause and no decisions or liabilities have been imposed on former Speaker Romualdez. He emphasized that Romualdez's camp respects the Ombudsman's processes and is ready to cooperate if a formal investigation is initiated.
"We want to emphasize that, to-date, there is no evidence linking Rep. Romualdez to any ghost and substandard projects pertaining to the flood control issue. We remain confident that these matters will be resolved based on evidence and due process—not politics or speculation," stated Atty. Fajardo.
Call for Adherence to Legal Standards
Fajardo added that they hope the Ombudsman will follow the rules implemented when the Ombudsman was still Secretary of the Department of Justice (DOJ), where cases should only proceed if there is a reasonable certainty of conviction. The Romualdez camp reiterated that no evidence has been found connecting the lawmaker to the alleged ghost and substandard projects related to flood control.
In conclusion, Romualdez's team expressed confidence that the issue will be resolved based on evidence and proper legal procedures, rather than politics or speculation. "We respect the processes of the Office of the Ombudsman and will fully cooperate if and when a formal proceeding is initiated. We trust that the Ombudsman will fully adhere to the circular that he instituted and signed as then Secretary of the Department of Justice, that DOJ prosecutors should only pursue cases with 'reasonable certainty of conviction,'" Fajardo further stated.
