FOUR former security escorts of ex-Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co may still be included in the plunder case against former speaker Martin Romualdez although they have withdrawn their statements regarding the delivery of flood control scam money to government officials, Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said Tuesday.
“The team has already discussed the possibility of impleading them because it seems to be the right thing to do,” Clavano said, stressing the four could be included in the plunder charge if they do not return to their original affidavits. He noted that plunder is a non-bailable offense.
Clavano questioned the recantations, saying the new affidavits contained only general denials in one- or two-page documents, unlike their earlier affidavits that provided detailed accounts.
The Ombudsman has not received copies of the recantations, which were instead attached to Romualdez’s counter-affidavit filed on Aug. 7.
Clavano said the four should have furnished copies directly to the Ombudsman panel handling the preliminary investigation.
He noted that the recantations came a day before the deadline for Romualdez’s counter-affidavit, after which the four announced they would no longer cooperate with the Ombudsman.
Clavano said the circumstances surrounding the recantations would be left for the prosecutors to assess, but described the manner in which they were served as irregular.
