FACT-FINDING investigators of the Office of the Ombudsman are ‘very close’ to filing plunder charges against former House Speaker Martin Romualdez for his involvement in the multibillion-peso anomalous flood control projects of the government and other line items in the 2024 and 2025 national budgets.
At a press briefing, Remulla clarified that the result of the fact-finding investigation will still have to go through a preliminary investigation by the Office of the Ombudsman which may take not less than 60 days.
He said the preliminary investigation may reach beyond 60 days if there will be motions from parties involved that would have to be acted upon.
‘We’re very close to filing the plunder charges. But we still have to cross the Ts and dot some Is and probably put periods in sentences. That’s how close it is. So, I can’t deliberately talk about that.’ Remulla said.
‘The cases are just about ready for preliminary investigation,’ Remulla added.
Romualdez along with Senator Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero have been labeled by the Ombudsman as ‘master plunderers’ for using sophisticated methods to commit the crime of plunder in the flood control scam.
Asked if the case against Romualdez would still stand if the Ombudsman’s bid to discharge former Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan is denied by the Sandiganbayan, Remulla admitted that it would not be easy but expressed optimism that they would eventually manage to ‘thread the needle.’
‘We are up against people who have the best lawyers money can buy,’ Remulla said.
‘You’re talking about layers and layers of lawyers. People who will defend and go to any extent to defend their client,’ he added.
Last April 23, the Sandiganbayan’s Seventh Division issued a preliminary hold departure order against Romualdez, who is being investigated for plunder, direct bribery, violations of Section 3 ( a ) and 3 (b) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, indirect bribery, and money laundering.
The Court of Appeals (CA) has also ordered the freezing of Romualdez’s assets, including 25 bank accounts and insurance policies, based on a petition filed by the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC).
It may be recalled that the Ombudsman had asked the Sandiganbayan to discharge Bonoan as an accused in the P573-million plunder and graft case filed against him, Senator Jinggoy Estrada and several others in connection with the flood control scandal.
Remulla said Bonoan’s testimony will be used to further strengthen the case being prepared against Romualdez.
The Sandiganbayan has yet to decide on the Ombudsman’s motion to discharge Bonoan as a state witness.