Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said his office is still evaluating possible criminal charges against former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, while their case buildup continues against resigned Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, who may be charged “anytime.”
Remulla emphasized that “everything is possible” in the ongoing investigation involving Romualdez. The Ombudsman said investigators are reviewing project records and gathering evidence related to alleged irregularities.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the Pilipinas Conference 2025 organized by the Stratbase Institute, Remulla confirmed that recommended charges being reviewed include plunder, graft, direct bribery, and malversation through falsification.
However, he indicated that plunder is the least likely route, citing long-standing jurisprudence that makes the crime “notoriously difficult to prove.”
“The Supreme Court says what the Supreme Court says is the law. When they interpret a statute meant for accountability in a very liberal manner, then we have a problem,” Remulla said, adding that “our options won’t be to file a plunder case.”
He noted that historical difficulties in securing convictions continue to shape prosecutors’ strategies and that “no one was ever convicted of plunder.”
Instead, investigators are focusing on malversation through falsification, which he described as a “more effective” statute for securing accountability in public works projects.
He highlighted recurring findings where projects paid in full were only 50 to 80 percent complete.
Despite perceptions that malversation carries lighter penalties, Remulla said the threshold of P8.8 million already triggers severe punishment under the law.
“We’re looking at all the facts. Evidence is always the key. Without evidence, you don’t convict anybody,” he said, noting that the Ombudsman is still in the fact-finding stage.
Asked about recent attempts by Co to contact him, Remulla confirmed that the former House Appropriations Committee chairman reached out through mutual acquaintances.
“Time for talking is over. We are actively investigating a crime that no one can interfere with. I took an oath to do this job,” the Ombudsman said.
Remulla also discussed ongoing efforts to coordinate with the Supreme Court on improving caseflow and addressing delays in corruption prosecutions, citing meetings with Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo and Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen in recent weeks.
The Ombudsman said he expects the case eventually to reach the Supreme Court.
