Ombudsman’s preliminary investigation on Romualdez a moro-moro — public interest lawyer

THE Ombudsman’s preliminary investigation on the alleged involvement of former Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez in the flood control scam is just a “moro-moro” (show), according to a public interest and human rights lawyer.

Antonio “Audie” Bucoy was commenting on the newest statement of Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla that his office was strengthening the case it is building against Romualdez, whom he said has a lot of money and lawyers.

In an interview over radio station dzBB Sunday, Bucoy also accused the Ombudsman of allegedly subjecting the Leyte congressman to trial by publicity.

He said Remulla’s latest statement and previous declarations about the Leyte congressman violate the principles of due process and prejudgement, and the need for and purpose of a preliminary inquiry.

“Ito po ay nilalabag ‘yung panuntunan ng due process and prejudgment. Dapat ho kasi ang preliminary investigation ay tumutukoy para malaman kung merong probable cause na dapat bang usigin sila,” he said.

“Ngayon, kung may ganitong deklarasyon na eh di nilalabag nito ‘yung mismong layunin ng preliminary investigation dahil ano ‘yung preliminary investigation ay moro-moro lang ba. Ito ba’y pormalidad lang,” he said.

Bucoy pointed out that Remulla has apparently already made a decision to file charges against Romualdez despite the ongoing preliminary investigation.

“Sapagkat ano eh, may disisyon na. Sinasabi na niya na handa na ‘yung asunto at sa susunod na araw o linggo ay isasampa na,” he added.

He stressed that the Ombudsman is apparently conducting a trial by publicity and mind-conditioning even before producing evidence in the middle of a preliminary investigation.

“Ang nangyayari ho dito ‘yung paglilitis ay ginaganap sa media. Parang nagiging bahagi ho ito ng mind conditioning eh na inilalako na itong mga taong ito ang sangkot bago pa man magkaroon ng katibayan,” he said.

“At lalo’t higit nasa gitna ho tayo ng ano ng preliminary investigation. So, bakit may conclusion na. So, moro-moro ito (this is just for show),” he reiterated.

The public interest and human rights lawyer said the Ombudsman’s statements violate Romualdez’s constitutional right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty.

“May malubhang paglabag dun sa presumption of innoncece. Kasi ho sa ating, nakapaloob sa ating Saligang Batas. Kasi ho ‘yung presumption of innocence ay mananaig hangga’t hindi mo napapatunayan na nagkasala ang iniimbestahan,” he said.

The declarations also reflect bias on the part of the Ombudsman and destroy the integrity of his office, he said.

“Nagkakaroon ho ng institutional bias. ‘Yung mga deklarasyong ganito nung Ombudsman ay nasisira ho ‘yung intigridad nung Office of the Ombudsman,” he added.

Moreover, Bucoy said Remulla’s statements undermine public trust in the justice system.

“Itong mga ganitong pamamahayag eh pumipinsala ho ito sa perception ng publiko at pinahihina nito ang tiwala sa sistema ng hustisya,” he said.