Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said his office will first evaluate the reports filed by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) against former House Speaker Martin Romualdez and resigned congressman Zaldy Co before deciding on further action.
He stressed that “everything is evidence-based” and that cases cannot be filed without sufficient proof.
The ICI and DPWH recommended the filing of plunder, graft, and indirect bribery charges against Romualdez and Co in connection with alleged anomalies in flood control projects.
“We will have to evaluate it. We have to look at the contents of the recommendation and the documents so we will know how to act on the matter,” Remulla said in an interview at the sidelines of the Pilipinas Conference 2025 organized by Stratbase in Makati City.
He explained that his office may conduct a fact-finding investigation if necessary before moving to preliminary investigation.
“Kasi nga kung hilaw ang kaso, kailangan muna ng case build-up bago kami mag-preliminary investigation,” he added.
He also said the case can range from a few days to a few months, and it will all depend on the evidence they can gather.
He admitted that he has not seen the reports that have been filed, and he can only act on it on Monday as he has prior commitments on Friday, Nov. 21.
He added: “I haven’t seen it, so I cannot tell you what cases I will file. We will have to evaluate everything.” (Czarina Ong Ki)
