Ombudsman: Romualdez trying to leave Philippines

MANILA, Philippines — Former House speaker Martin Romualdez is attempting to slip out of the country through “informal channels” to evade an impending plunder case, the Office of the Ombudsman revealed yesterday.

Intelligence reports indicate that Romualdez has not ceased his attempts to leave despite the Sandiganbayan’s issuance of a precautionary hold departure order.

Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano urged agencies handling border security and law enforcement to monitor the Leyte congressman’s movements.

Romualdez will likely bypass standard air and seaports since he is aware of the travel ban, Clavano said.

Clavano said the ombudsman’s fact-finding team has submitted the plunder complaint to the preliminary investigation team.

Issuance of an order directing Romualdez to file his counter-affidavit is expected this week.

Should Romualdez successfully flee the country and fail to submit a counter-affidavit, Clavano warned that he would effectively waive his right to defend himself.

Clavano declined to name Romualdez’s co-accused. He confirmed there are more than 10.

“Money exchanges, shell companies, bank transfers – personalities involved in this scheme of layering are included in the complaint,” he said.

Clavano clarified that prosecutors will not wait to consolidate all pending investigations against Romualdez before bringing him to court.

Marcos hands off

President Marcos will keep his hands off the ombudsman’s probe into the allegations against his cousin, Malacañang said yesterday.

“The President will not meddle in any investigation. According to the President, whoever will be affected, wherever the evidence goes, we will follow. Whatever happens in the investigation, the President will not intervene and he will accept,” Palace press officer Claire Castro said.

Castro lashed back at Rep. Antonio Tinio, who claimed there is “selective prosecution” in the administration’s probe into the flood control controversy.

She recalled that the President only sought the probe in July last year, while investigations began as early as September.

“To those who are growing impatient, if you have concrete evidence, go ahead and file the cases now,” Castro said.— Alexis Romero