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Rep. Martin Romualdez (Leyte), as then-House speaker, delivers a speech at the launching of Congress TV 11 in January 2024.
PTV / HREP
MANILA, Philippines — Rep. Martin Romualdez (Leyte), a former House speaker, has been trying to leave the country despite the precautionary travel ban on him, the Office of the Ombudsman said Monday, July 20.
Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano, citing intelligence reports, said the office had received information about attempts by Romualdez to depart the Philippines.
"Despite a Precautionary Hold Departure Order issued by the Sandiganbayan, this office has received credible intelligence reports that former speaker, Martin Romualdez, has not ceased attempting to leave the country. The office calls on all relevant agencies to make sure this does not happen," Clavano said at a press briefing.
Clavano also said the Ombudsman is set to file two separate complaints for preliminary investigation against Romualdez and former Ako Bicol party-list lawmaker Zaldy Co, who is considered a fugitive.
The complaints over the multibillion-peso flood control scandal involve allegations of plunder under Republic Act 7080 and violations of the Anti-Money Laundering Act, he said.
Alleged money trail
According to Clavano, the complaints are anchored on sworn statements from eight people who had worked as Co's personal security personnel.
The witnesses gave firsthand accounts of alleged direct money deliveries from Co to Romualdez, Clavano said.
He said their accounts are supported by an independent financial paper trail showing that funds allegedly delivered from Co were laundered through bank transfers, money exchanges and shell companies linked to Romualdez.
The funds were ultimately used to purchase luxury properties, fund investments and manipulate evidence, Clavano alleged.
Clavano stressed that a complaint for preliminary investigation is not a conviction or a formal charge before a court, and that respondents retain the presumption of innocence.
"It is this Office's determination that the evidence gathered is substantial enough to warrant a full and formal inquiry into whether or not the case should be filed in court. Every respondent will be given the opportunity to answer," Clavano said.
Romualdez and his co-respondents will be required to submit counter-affidavits before a panel of prosecutors decides whether to file formal charges before the Sandiganbayan.
Flight ban. The Sandiganbayan issued a precautionary hold departure order against Romualdez on April 22, following the Ombudsman's request.
The order was sought while the Ombudsman was investigating Romualdez's alleged involvement in a multibillion-peso kickback scheme tied to flood-control projects.
