PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday announced that all information gathered on alleged irregularities in government flood control projects—including claims linking former House Speaker Martin Romualdez and former lawmaker Zaldy Co—will be turned over to the Office of the Ombudsman for a full investigation.
In a statement, the President said the Infrastructure Coordination Initiative (ICI) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will transmit all documents and evidence they have collected to allow the Ombudsman to conduct an independent probe.
“Lahat ng nakuha nilang impormasyon ay ibibigay na sa Ombudsman para imbestigahan,” Marcos said.
Marcos said plunder, anti-graft, and indirect bribery charges may be filed against Romualdez and Co in connection with the flood control mess, if evidence establishes their involvement.
“‘Pag nakita lahat ng ebidensya, baka magfile ng kaso ng plunder o anti-graft o indirect bribery (Once all the evidence is seen, cases of plunder, anti-graft, or indirect bribery may possibly be filed),” he said.
He emphasized that the administration is confident in the Ombudsman’s impartiality. “Malakas ang loob natin na ang Ombudsman ay sumusunod lamang sa ebidensya, at kung saan tayo dinadala ng ebidensya, doon pupunta ang ating imbestigasyon,” he said.
The President also reiterated his commitment to regularly update the public on corruption-related findings involving flood control projects, saying the government will pursue accountability wherever the evidence leads.
