Ombudsman Boying Remulla on Tuesday maintained that the Office of the Ombudsman’s case against former House Speaker Martin Romualdez over flood-control corruption will not be weakened by the recantation of some witnesses.
In a media briefing, Remulla said the Ombudsman still has additional witnesses and evidence that could implicate Romualdez.
“Our cases are not reliant on those witnesses who are recanting their testimonies. Marami pa kaming ebidensya at testigo,” Remulla said.
He added that attempts to bribe or pressure witnesses into withdrawing their testimonies would not derail the case.
“The case does not rise and fall with those people who brought the money. We have other evidence pa,” Remulla said.
His remarks came after former Marines who previously claimed they delivered cash to Romualdez and other officials recanted their earlier testimonies in the flood-control investigation.
The Marines’ lawyer, Levito Baligod, said his clients were initially offered ₱5 million, with the amount later increasing. Those who continue to stand by their original statements have alleged efforts to buy off witnesses, with former Marine George Villalon Jr. claiming offers reached ₱20 million to ₱25 million.
The Ombudsman earlier described recantations in high-profile cases as a “classic pressure tactic” and stressed that the investigation does not depend on one or a few witnesses.
The Ombudsman is investigating alleged corruption in flood-control projects, with Romualdez among those being investigated and identified as the “mastermind” of a ₱56-billion kickback scheme.
