Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Tuesday firmly denied accusations that the Department of Justice (DOJ) is protecting former Speaker and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez from the ongoing investigation into anomalous flood control projects.
Remulla stressed that a case build-up is already underway, and Romualdez’s connection to resigned Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co places him within the scope of the probe.
“Zaldy Co, as the chairman of Appropriations, is well known as the speaker’s choice. Alam natin ’yan,” Remulla told reporters.
No One Spared in DOJ Probe
Co and several other officials have been recommended for prosecution after former engineers of the Department of Public Works and Highways linked him to questionable budget insertions and projects.
Asked about Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero’s remarks that Romualdez was being left out, Remulla pushed back, saying he even directed DOJ to prepare a diagram mapping out all cases and personalities allegedly involved.
“Wala tayong pagtatakpan. Wala tayong itatago dito,” he declared. (“There will be no cover-up. We will hide nothing.”)
GMA News Online has sought Romualdez’s side of the story.
The Missing Witness
Meanwhile, Remulla revealed that the DOJ is still searching for Orly Guteza, the “surprise witness” who accused both Co and Romualdez of receiving bags of cash. Guteza claimed he personally delivered money-filled luggage to their residences.
Both Co and Romualdez have denied the allegations. Romualdez insisted that such delivery could not have happened, noting that his McKinley home was under renovation during the time in question.
Remulla earlier said Guteza requested witness protection, but despite being invited, the witness was a no-show at the DOJ.
For now, there is still no word from the Senate about Guteza’s status.
“We’re just hoping he’s okay and that he can shed light on his affidavit,” Remulla said, adding a sharp warning:
“Alagaan na nila. Wag na nila papakawalan. At saka panagutan nila.”
(They should take care of him. They should not let him go. They must take responsibility.)
Remulla ended by stressing that the flood control controversy is far from over—and no powerful name will be immune from accountability.
