Ex-Speaker Romualdez's Lawyer Dismisses Senate Allegations as 'Impossible'
In a firm rebuttal, Atty. Ade Fajardo, the legal counsel and spokesperson for former House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, has declared that the allegations presented by certain witnesses in the Senate against the ex-speaker are logically and physically impossible. This statement comes amid ongoing scrutiny into claims related to a property matter, with Fajardo emphasizing the absence of concrete evidence to support the accusations.
Key Contradictions in Witness Testimonies
Fajardo highlighted a critical point from the testimony of contractor Pacifico Curlee Discaya, who stated under oath that he has never entered South Forbes Park. According to Fajardo, this directly contradicts the accounts of two Senate witnesses using the aliases Joy and Marie, who alleged interactions or orders given within that location. It is impossible for any approach or command to have occurred there if Discaya was never present, Fajardo argued, underscoring the inconsistency in the narratives.
Lack of Documentary Evidence and Source Concerns
Further challenging the allegations, Fajardo pointed out that the accusations appear to stem solely from disgruntled former tenants of a property, with no supporting documentary evidence provided. He noted that Romualdez's name is absent from any deeds, contracts, or payment records associated with the property in question. This lack of paper trail, according to Fajardo, weakens the credibility of the claims and suggests they may be based on unreliable sources.
Dismissal as Hearsay and Potential Perjury
In his defense, Fajardo characterized the allegations as mere hearsay and possibly perjured statements, asserting that there is insufficient evidence to warrant a response from Romualdez. There is no evidence—only hearsay and possibly perjured statements—and therefore nothing to answer, he stated, reinforcing the position that the claims do not hold up under legal scrutiny. This stance aims to shield Romualdez from further political fallout as the investigation continues.
Broader Implications for Political Accountability
This development raises questions about the veracity of witness testimonies in Senate inquiries and the potential for politically motivated accusations. Fajardo's forceful denial highlights the challenges in proving such allegations without tangible proof, potentially impacting public perception and legal proceedings. As the case unfolds, observers are watching closely to see if more evidence emerges or if these claims will be dismissed entirely.
