By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA, Philippines — A series of witness recantations has weakened a key part of the Ombudsman’s case against former House Speaker Martin Romualdez over alleged cash deliveries linked to the flood control scandal.
Several former security aides of detained former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co have withdrawn or disputed earlier statements alleging that cash-filled suitcases were delivered to Romualdez and other officials.
Retired Marine Orly Guteza, among the witnesses who previously provided damaging testimony, has also recanted his earlier account linking Romualdez to the alleged cash deliveries.
Romualdez’s lawyers have asked the Ombudsman to dismiss the complaints, arguing that the recantations undermine the credibility of the allegations and expose the lack of reliable evidence directly connecting the former Speaker to the supposed transactions.
The Ombudsman, however, said the investigation remains intact, pointing to 28 other witnesses who allegedly have direct and material information about the transactions.
The agency maintains that the case does not depend solely on the witnesses who have recanted.
The investigation will now hinge on whether the remaining testimony can be independently corroborated by documents, financial records and other evidence linking Romualdez to the alleged flood control scheme.
For now, Romualdez’s camp is seeking dismissal while the Ombudsman continues to assess the evidence and the credibility of the conflicting witness statements.
ia/xf
