Romualdez files fresh defense in plunder case, cites witness recantation

MANILA — The legal team of former House Speaker Martin Romualdez moved to strengthen his defense against plunder charges Thursday by filing a supplemental counter affidavit with the Office of the Ombudsman. Attorney Felix Villa submitted the additional document at the anti-graft agency's headquarters, incorporating what the camp described as crucial witness testimony. The supplemental filing includes a recantation statement from a former bodyguard, according to Villa. This latest submission represents Romualdez's continued effort to contest the allegations through the administrative inquiry process. The specifics of the witness recantation and how it relates to the plunder charges were not immediately detailed. The case remains under investigation by the Ombudsman's office, which will evaluate all materials submitted by both the complainant and the respondent before making a determination.