By Jose Cielito Reganit
MANILA – Former Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on Friday questioned the Office of the Ombudsman’s continued reliance on witnesses who, he said, had already been publicly discredited and are now facing cyber libel and perjury charges.
In a statement sent to media, Romualdez said he was asking only for equal treatment under the law as the preliminary investigation into the flood control controversy continues.
“Pantay na hustisya lamang ang hinihingi ko (Fair justice is all I ask),” Romualdez said.
“But the Ombudsman is using witnesses he himself and now the DOJ (Department of Justice) have already publicly discredited – and who are now facing cyberlibel and perjury charges,” he added, questioning if the move qualifies as a fair investigation.
He added that the witnesses had already been rejected and later charged, yet were still being used against him.
“Mga testigong ibinasura na, kinasuhan pa ng cyberlibel at perjury — gagamitin pa rin para lang ituro ako at ako lamang (These witnesses were already rejected and charged with cyberlibel and perjury – yet still being used to pinpoint me and me alone),” he said.
Romualdez was referring to the 18 former bodyguards of fugitive former lawmaker Zaldy Co and their lawyer, Levito Baligod.
The DOJ on Wednesday said criminal complaints for perjury and cyber libel were filed against them with four Regional Trial Courts (RTCs) in Metro Manila.
The cases arose from several complaints involving the execution and dissemination of a joint sworn statement, related press conferences and interviews, social media posts and other online publications.
Despite his objections, Romualdez said he would continue to face the proceedings.
“Hindi ako uurong sa laban na ito. Hindi ako matitinag. Gawin natin ang tama (I will not back out from this fight. I will not be moved. Let’s do the right thing),” he said. (PNA)
