The Office of the Ombudsman has filed a complaint for preliminary investigation against former House Speaker Martin Romualdez and former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co over alleged irregularities involving flood control projects.
The complaint includes allegations of plunder, direct and indirect bribery, violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and money laundering.
According to the Ombudsman, the complaint seeks to determine whether the evidence gathered during the investigation is sufficient to proceed with a formal inquiry and eventually elevate the case to the courts.
The preliminary investigation is part of the legal process in which respondents are given the opportunity to answer the allegations and present their side before any formal charges are filed in court.
The case stems from the Ombudsman’s investigation into alleged anomalies involving flood control projects.
Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano earlier said that based on the agency’s investigation, Romualdez was identified as the central figure in an alleged system involving the transfer of funds for flood control projects.
Co, who previously served as chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, was also named as a respondent in the complaint.
The filing of the complaint does not constitute a finding of guilt. The preliminary investigation will determine whether there is probable cause to move the case forward.
The Office of the Ombudsman said the proceedings will allow both Romualdez and Co to respond to the allegations and submit evidence in their defense as part of the investigation process.
The complaints are related to alleged anomalies in the implementation and funding of flood control projects, which remain under investigation.
