Politics · Philippines Bureau
Romualdez files defense in Ombudsman case, cites witness recantations
Former House Speaker Martin Romualdez has submitted his counter-affidavit to the Office of the Ombudsman, relying partly on recantations from witnesses known as the 'maleta boys' to support his defense.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — Former House Speaker Martin Romualdez has filed his response to administrative complaints lodged against him at the Office of the Ombudsman, according to Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano.
Clavano said Tuesday that Romualdez submitted his counter-affidavit on August 7, which includes a recantation from witnesses who had previously made allegations against him. The witnesses, identified as the 'maleta boys,' form part of Romualdez's defense strategy in addressing the charges.
The involvement of the 'maleta boys' recantation marks a significant development in the case, with Romualdez's legal team apparently banking on the witnesses' retraction of their earlier statements to strengthen his position before the Ombudsman.
The Ombudsman investigation has drawn public attention given Romualdez's prominent political standing as former Speaker of the House. The filing of his counter-affidavit sets the stage for the next phase of the administrative proceedings.