Team DailyPedia
Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco challenged the administration to demonstrate that its anti-corruption campaign is being enforced fairly, following the latest statement from Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano that the case against former House Speaker Martin Romualdez continues to gain strength.
According to Clavano, the Office of the Ombudsman has gathered additional evidence and witnesses in its ongoing investigation into the alleged flood control anomaly.
Among those expected to strengthen the case is former Public Works Secretary Manny Bonoan, whose testimony is expected to help establish the circumstances surrounding the implementation of the flood control projects. Clavano also said that several former bodyguards of former Appropriations Committee Chairman Zaldy Co are expected to testify, adding that their statements are consistent with other evidence already gathered by investigators.
Clavano has likewise publicly identified Romualdez as the alleged “mastermind” behind the anomaly under investigation.
Reacting to these developments, Tiangco said the administration now has an opportunity to prove that no one is above the law.
“Kung talagang walang kinalaman ang administrasyon sa mga katiwaliang ito, dapat mas pursigido rin itong papanagutin ang mga kakampi o maging kamag-anak na pinagsamantalahan umano ang kanilang pagiging malapit sa administrasyon upang nakawan ang mamamayan.”
He noted that the Ombudsman’s latest pronouncements should encourage the government to pursue the investigation without fear or favor.
“Mismong ang Office of the Ombudsman ang nagsasabing lalo pang lumalakas ang kaso at gagamitin pa ang mga testimonya ng mga dating bodyguard ni Zaldy Co upang higit pang patibayin ito. Kung ganoon, dapat mas lalo pang ipakita ng administrasyon na walang sinuman ang untouchable.”
Tiangco also called for accountability to reach those who allegedly orchestrated the scheme, not just those accused of carrying it out.
“Dapat managot ang tunay na may pakana at umano’y ‘mastermind’ sa pinakamalaking corruption scandal sa kasaysayan ng ating bansa. Higit sa lahat, dapat maibalik ang perang ninakaw sa taong bayan.”
He further challenged the administration to remain steadfast despite previous remarks attributed to Romualdez.
“Panahon na ring patunayan ng administrasyon na hindi ito natitinag sa mga banta ni Romualdez, gaya ng, ‘I will not go down alone.'”
Tiangco reiterated that genuine accountability requires pursuing everyone who planned, directed, or benefited from the alleged irregularities, regardless of political affiliation.
“The Filipino people deserve nothing less than equal justice under the law. Hindi pwedeng maliit na isda lang ang nakukulong at hindi makulong ang mastermind.”
As of writing, Romualdez has not publicly responded to Tiangco’s latest remarks. The allegations remain under investigation, and no final judicial determination has been made regarding the case.
