LAWYER Ade Fajardo, spokesperson for former speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, issued a statement acknowledging the referral submitted by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to the Office of the Ombudsman on November 21.
The statement welcomes the completion of the ICI’s fact-gathering mandate and expresses respect for the Commission’s commitment to transmit all gathered evidence to the Ombudsman for further evaluation.
According to Atty. Fajardo, the referral incorporates all evidence presented by former speaker Romualdez, including his sworn affidavit, complete transcripts, and the full audio-video recording of his voluntary appearance before the Commission last October 14. This comprehensive submission underscores Romualdez’s commitment to transparency and cooperation with the investigation.
Importantly, the ICI explicitly stated that the referral “is issued without any finding or conclusion of guilt or liability on the part of former speaker Romualdez.” Atty. Fajardo emphasized that this clear statement reinforces their confidence in the Commission’s impartiality and reinforces the constitutional role of the Ombudsman as the sole authority empowered to make a determination on accountability.
The statement concludes by expressing trust that the Ombudsman will conduct an independent, thorough, and objective review of the evidence submitted. Atty. Fajardo reiterated that they have consistently maintained that a fair and complete assessment of the record will reflect the truth, expressing confidence that the Ombudsman’s review will ultimately vindicate former speaker Romualdez.
