Romualdez legal team challenges credibility of flood scandal allegations

MANILA — The legal defense of former Speaker Martin Romualdez has moved to discredit allegations stemming from a flood control controversy, citing the withdrawal of testimony by retired marine Orly Guteza as undermining the case against the political figure.

Litigation lawyer Antonio "Audie" Bucoy, representing Romualdez's interests, argued that Guteza's recantation has significantly weakened the remaining accusations brought by 14 other individuals known as the Maleta Boys. The lawyer contended that the loss of corroborating testimony has rendered the overall allegations lacking in credibility.

The development marks a significant shift in the legal proceedings surrounding the flood control matter. Guteza's decision to retract his original account removes a potentially pivotal piece of evidence that prosecutors or complainants had relied upon to substantiate their claims against Romualdez.

The case centers on allegations related to a flood control project and has drawn considerable public attention given Romualdez's prominence in Philippine politics. The former Speaker's legal team has maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings, and Bucoy's recent statements reflect their strategy to challenge the foundation of the accusations.