By Benjamin Pulta
MANILA – The Office of the Ombudsman (OMB) on Tuesday said its investigators may include four bodyguards of former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co in plunder complaints after they recanted their testimonies linking several personalities in a multibillion flood control kickback scheme.
“(T)here are indications that the panel of investigators may implead, as part of the plunder charge, the former security escorts of Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co — four of whom recently allegedly recanted their earlier statements implicating former Speaker Romualdez, Co, and other officials in the alleged cash deliveries at the heart of this case,” Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said in a press conference.
Clavano said the panel of investigators has not yet received an official copy of the four bodyguards’ recantations.
“The supposed recantations were, however, already attached to the counter-affidavit submitted by the former Speaker,” he said.
He said Romualdez filed a counter-affidavit on Aug. 7 and the former Speaker’s counsels are also requesting permission to file a supplemental counter-affidavit.
“Let us be clear: whether a case is already before the Sandiganbayan or still under preliminary investigation, our position remains the same — no public official is above the law, and every peso spent on infrastructure meant to protect Filipino lives, especially flood control, must be accounted for,” Clavao said.
The OMB also said it is closely monitoring seven cases involving lawmakers seemingly in conflict with contractors in their respective areas.
Two of the cases have already been filed against Rep. Noel Rivera of 3rd District of Tarlac and Rep. James “Jojo” Ang of Uswag Ilonggo Party-list, before the Sandiganbayan, while five others remain under preliminary investigation.
Rivera faces nine counts of graft for violation of Section 3(h) of Republic Act 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, over his alleged financial ties to a construction firm linked to flood-control contracts in his district.
The case was filed against Rivera on Aug. 8 and is now proceeding through arraignment before the Sandiganbayan.
Ang, on the other hand, faces 14 counts of graft, including conflict-of-interest charges under Section 3(h) of RA 3019, over his alleged links to a construction firm involved in Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) flood-control projects.
Clavano said the Sandiganbayan has ordered Ang’s arrest, and his arraignment has been reset for next month.
“We reiterate that, like all respondents, both congressmen enjoy the presumption of innocence unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt,” Clavano said. (PNA)
