Martin prepared to face charges

MANILA, Philippines —  Leyte congressman and former speaker Martin Romualdez is prepared to “face the allegations against him through the legal process,” as he appealed for fair play and due process, his lawyer said yesterday.

“We respect the courts and the legal process. Representative Romualdez will face the allegations against him in accordance with law,” lawyer Ade Fajardo said, emphasizing that the lawmaker is not seeking any special treatment.

“He asks only for the same due process and fair hearing guaranteed to every Filipino,” he said. “Truth, evidence and a fair process should prevail.”

Fajardo said public interest surrounding the case should not take the place of the
 judicial process, where criminal liability is determined on the basis of evidence presented in court, “under the rules and safeguards of our justice system.”

Romualdez’s nemesis, Rep. Toby Tiangco – his cousin-in-law – said he was glad to hear news of the court indictment.

“We have been waiting for this for a very long time. The filing of plunder against former speaker Romualdez is an important first step toward accountability in the flood control scandal,” the Navotas representative said.

“The arrest is the first step. The wheels of justice are moving. The destination: full accountability.”

House Senior Deputy Minority Leader Rep. Leila de Lima called the filing of the case against Romualdez “a significant development in this administration’s commitment to hold accountable those involved in the massive corruption in our history.”

“This is due process at work for all those accused. They should answer to all the allegations hurled against them and face the issues squarely before our fellowmen,” she said.

“Encouraging as it is, this cannot be the be-all and end-all of the fight for justice and accountability over anomalous flood control projects. There have been many more names that have been floated in the investigation that was not livestreamed by ICI (Independent Commission for Infrastructure). We have no more update,” she lamented.

Rep. Harold Duterte of the Pwersa ng Pilipinong Pandagat party-list also welcomed the filing of plunder charges against the former House leader.

“After more than a year in the national spotlight, charges have finally been filed against former speaker Romualdez and former committee on appropriations chairman Zaldy Co. On its face, these charges are welcome,” he said.

“Any step toward accountability for this flood control mess is always welcome, especially given the slow, opaque way investigations have proceeded. However, given the relationship between the ombudsman and the ex-speaker, it is our fervent hope that relationships will not prevail over duty.”