MANILA, Philippines — The Office of the Ombudsman on Monday announced the filing two separate complaints for preliminary investigation against former speaker Martin Romualdez for plunder and violation of the Anti-Money Laundering Act. Former Ako Bicol party-list representative Zaldy Co was also named a co-respondent.
In a press briefing, Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said the determination was made following a “thorough and painstaking investigation.”
“The Office of the Ombudsman is set to file two separate complaints for preliminary investigation against former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Mr. Elizaldy Co and several others: one for Plunder under Republic Act No. 7080, and another for violation of the Anti-Money Laundering Act, as amended,” he said.
Clavao, however, clarified that the initial probe was “not a conviction” nor is it a “formal charge before a court.”
“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,” he said.
“Every respondent will be given the opportunity to answer. The presumption of innocence stands, as it must, unless and until proven otherwise in the proper forum,” he added.
Romualdez is accused of being "central figure in a scheme built on the diversion of public funds meant for flood control projects."
