The Office of the Ombudsman has directed former House Speaker Martin Romualdez to submit a counter-affidavit in response to complaints of plunder, graft, and direct bribery filed against him.
Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said the preliminary investigation team has issued an order requiring Romualdez and the other respondents to answer the allegations.
According to Clavano, the respondents have 15 days from receipt of the order to submit their respective counter-affidavits.
Once all responses have been received, the case will be submitted for resolution as part of the preliminary investigation process.
The Ombudsman’s directive came after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said multiple cases related to alleged anomalies in flood control projects would soon be filed against the former House Speaker.
The complaints are part of the ongoing legal process involving allegations linked to the reported flood control project anomalies.
Romualdez previously said he is prepared to face the proceedings and intends to prove that he committed no wrongdoing.
He also said the issue has been painful for his family but that he respects the President’s statement regarding the matter.
The former House Speaker maintained that he did not violate any law and would respond through the proper legal process.
The Office of the Ombudsman has yet to rule on the merits of the complaints, as the case remains under preliminary investigation.
Under the order, Romualdez and the other respondents are expected to present their sworn statements and supporting evidence before investigators evaluate the complaints.
The preliminary investigation will determine whether sufficient basis exists to proceed with the filing of formal charges based on the evidence submitted by both the complainants and the respondents.
