Malacañang on Monday affirmed its respect for the independence of the Office of the Ombudsman following its decision to file plunder charges against former House Speaker Martin Romualdez in connection with alleged corruption in government flood control projects.
In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro emphasized that the Ombudsman was simply fulfilling its duty under the law.
“Iginagalang po natin ang aksiyon ng Ombudsman dahil ito naman po ay nasa kanilang mandato” (We respect the action of the Ombudsman as this is within their mandate), Castro said.
The charges, filed before the Sandiganbayan on Monday, target Romualdez and former Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co over their alleged involvement in receiving kickbacks from anomalous flood control infrastructure.
While Castro noted that she has yet to receive an official comment from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. regarding the latest development, she recalled the Chief Executive’s remarks during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) last July, where he stressed that due process and the rule of law must be upheld regardless of the circumstances.
“Hindi maganda iyong pakiramdam na ganito ang nangyayari, pero kapag ebidensiya, ebidensiya ang nagsusumigaw, kailangan po itong makita ng taumbayan” (It is not a good feeling when things like this happen, but when evidence speaks loudly, the public needs to see it), Castro added.
Castro reiterated that President Marcos maintains a strict stance on accountability, emphasizing that no one is above the law, even those close to the administration.
“Ang Pangulo naman po ay kung sino po ang dapat na managot ay dapat na panagutin. Kung sinuman po iyan, kamag-anak, kaibigan, kaalyado o kalaban sa politika,” Castro declared. (For the President, whoever ought to be held accountable must be held accountable, regardless of who they are, be it a relative, friend, ally, or political opponent.)
“Kung ano po ang isinisigaw ng ebidensiya dapat lamang po itong mailahad” (Whatever the evidence reveals must simply be brought to light), she concluded.