Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla accused the camp of former House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez of attempting to influence key witnesses in the government’s ongoing corruption probe. The accusation follows the sudden recantation of four former bodyguards belonging to former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co.
Remulla stated that the witnesses’ withdrawal of their earlier sworn statements appeared to be part of a deliberate effort to weaken the investigation, describing the development as a sign that those implicated were becoming “desperate.” However, the Ombudsman maintained that authorities remain confident in the broader body of evidence gathered, stressing that the case “does not rely solely on the affidavits of the four former bodyguards,” but is supported by other witnesses and critical documentary evidence.
The four former security aides had previously executed sworn affidavits detailing the alleged transport and delivery of cash linked to controversial flood control projects. Their subsequent recantation prompted Remulla to question the underlying circumstances of their reversal.
In response, Romualdez strongly denied the accusations, asserting that Remulla’s remarks demonstrated the Ombudsman was “extremely prejudiced” against him. He also rejected any claims that he or his camp pressured or influenced the witnesses to retract their testimony. Romualdez maintained that the allegations against him are “false and trumped up” and vowed to vigorously defend himself through proper legal channels.
This sharp exchange has escalated tensions surrounding the high-profile inquiry into the alleged misuse of billions of pesos in flood control funds, which stands as one of the country’s major corruption investigations. Despite the recantations, the Office of the Ombudsman confirmed that the withdrawal of the affidavits will not automatically invalidate the case. Prosecutors are slated to assess the totality of available evidence, including financial records and testimonies from alternative sources, to determine criminal liability as the investigation proceeds.