Ombudsman Rejects Romualdez Bid to Dismiss Case Based on Witness Recantations

MANILA — The Ombudsman's office has pushed back against attempts by Leyte Representative Martin Romualdez to use witness recantations as grounds for dismissing cases against him, underscoring that retractions alone cannot overturn investigations already underway.

Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano reiterated the principle with particular emphasis during Thursday's proceedings, stating multiple times that "recantation is not an eraser." His remarks came in response to arguments presented by Romualdez in a supplemental counter-affidavit filed Wednesday, in which the lawmaker urged the Office of the Ombudsman to give significant weight to witness recantations in his case.

The exchange highlights a key legal principle: while witness recantations may be considered as evidence in administrative and criminal proceedings, they do not automatically invalidate prior statements or terminate investigations. The Ombudsman's position suggests that the office will continue examining the substantive merits of the cases regardless of subsequent retractions by witnesses.

The case involving Romualdez remains under investigation by the Ombudsman's office, which has indicated it will proceed on its established course despite the recantations. Legal experts note that such retractions are common in high-profile cases but do not necessarily alter the trajectory of official inquiries.