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🇸🇬 Singapore /Elections & Politics

Philippine president’s lawmaker cousin charged in flood-control scandal

From CNA · () English

Translated from English and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

Newswire Named sources In the courts
  • Philippine prosecutors charged lawmaker Martin Romualdez, a cousin of President Ferdinand Marcos, over alleged involvement in a corruption scheme involving fake flood-control projects.
  • Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said the case concerns 7.4 billion pesos in alleged bribes, irregular budget insertions and project allocations.
  • Romualdez denies wrongdoing, while prosecutors say they plan to file additional cases against him and others linked to the alleged scheme.

Philippine prosecutors have filed a plunder case against Martin Romualdez, a lawmaker and cousin of President Ferdinand Marcos, over alleged involvement in a major corruption scandal involving bogus flood-control projects.

We don't pick and choose, there is no name here that we're trying to avoid. Everything here is based on evidence.

· Jesus Crispin RemullaThe Philippine ombudsman defended the decision to charge Romualdez.

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said the case concerns 7.4 billion pesos, or $117.9 million, in alleged bribes, anomalous budget insertions and project allocations. Romualdez has repeatedly denied wrongdoing. Plunder is a non-bailable offense carrying a possible life sentence.

“We don't pick and choose, there is no name here that we're trying to avoid. Everything here is based on evidence,” Remulla told reporters. “This case proves that there are no sacred cows.” He said prosecutors intended to bring additional cases against Romualdez and others implicated in the scandal.

This case proves that there are no sacred cows.

· Jesus Crispin RemullaRemulla said the case demonstrated that prominent figures would not be exempt from prosecution.

Romualdez’s co-respondents include former lawmaker Elizaldy Co and several others accused of conspiring to accumulate wealth unlawfully through government funds. His lawyer, Ade Fajardo, said Romualdez would contest the allegations in court. “We respect the courts and the legal process,” Fajardo said. “(Romualdez) asks only for the same due process and fair hearing guaranteed to every Filipino. Truth, evidence, and a fair process must prevail.”

We respect the courts and the legal process.

· Ade FajardoRomualdez’s lawyer described his response to the charges.

Romualdez resigned as speaker of the House of Representatives in September last year after his name emerged in the widening investigation. He said his resignation would allow investigators to work without “undue influence.” He remains a member of Congress. Prosecutors have also filed cases against sitting and former lawmakers, public works officials and construction company representatives allegedly connected to the scheme.

(Romualdez) asks only for the same due process and fair hearing guaranteed to every Filipino. Truth, evidence, and a fair process must prevail.

· Ade FajardoThe lawyer said Romualdez would seek due process and a fair hearing.
About this summary

Originally published by CNA in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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