THERE is no reason for the Ombudsman to file a case against former Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez in connection with the flood control scam since there is no credible witness against him, the Leyte congressman’s legal counsel said Thursday.
“Wala po kaming nakikitang dahilan kaya ang aming panalangin, ang aming hiling sa tanggapan ng Ombudsman ay i-dismiss na po ito, ibasura na itong reklamo laban kay former Speaker Romualdez,” Ade Fajardo said.
He said a total of 32 previous witnesses, including star witness Orly Guteza, have withdrawn their accusations against the ex-House leader.
These are all former personnel of ex-Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, who is subject of an arrest warrant from the Sandiganbayan for his alleged involvement in the flood control scam, he said.
“Wala pong credible witness, kasi nga marami ng naglabasan na mga cross witnesses na sinasabing walang nangyaring ganyang delivery ng maleta eh. Eto po ay galing na sa iisang grupo. Pareho silang mga drivers, security, administrative aide ni former Congressman Zaldy Co,” he said.
Fajardo pointed out that there is no witness directly linking Romualdez to the flood control scam and alleged kickbacks delivery.
“Kahit si secretary, dating Kalihim (Manuel) Bonoan ay hindi naman nagsalita tungkol dito, hindi naman siya nag-ugnay kay Congressman Romualdez sa flood control scam ano. Walang ganung testimonya,” he stressed.
“Wala rin kahit sinong district engineer or assistant district engineer o kahit sinong personnel on ground, kasi nga wala namang iniuugnay na kahit anong particular na proyekto tungkol sa flood control na hindi nangyari or hindi ginawa or pinakialaman ni former Speaker Romualdez,” he stressed.
He said there is also no contractor who has implicated the Leyte lawmaker.
Fajardo said he had read reports that the Ombudsman had announced it had 28 new witnesses against the Leyte lawmaker.
“’Yun ang naging statement last week ng tanggapan ng Ombudsman. Pero hanggang ngayon po hindi pa namin nakikita or nababasa or nalalaman kung sino itong 28 witnesses,” he added.
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