WITH his Philippine passport now canceled by the Department of Foreign Affairs after the filing of various graft charges against him, the former chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations and resigned Ako Bicol Party-List Rep. Elizaldy Co must be worried sick about the prospect of deportation from his hiding place abroad to face justice in this country and spend the rest of his life in jail if found guilty.
The Office of the Ombudsman has filed graft and malversation of public funds cases against him and others over an allegedly irregular ₱289.5-million flood-control/road-dike project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.
That’s just the tip of an iceberg.
Co has been cited for falsification of public documents (submitting or approving false/altered documentation), and violation of Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (RA 3019).
He is also charged under Section 3(h) of the same law for allegedly receiving “unwarranted financial or pecuniary benefits.”
But the former legislator and now wanted fugitive from the law appears unrepentant and wants to evade culpability for the charges against him by dragging no less than President Marcos Jr. and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez into the mess of his own making by claiming the two top officials allegedly received kickbacks from budget insertions for anomalous public works projects.
President Marcos Jr. and Rep. Romualdez have both stoutly denied Co’s baseless allegations.
While the President can defend himself should an impeachment complaint be filed against him, Leyte Rep. Romualdez, a lawyer and Constitutionalist, can defend himself in any judicial forum should formal charges be lodged against him.
As things now stand, Romualdez has already appeared before the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI).
The ad hoc body has no adverse finding against the former Speaker nor recommended the filing of charges against him.
In fact, there is no sworn testimony, document, or credible evidence that has directly linked Romualdez to any irregular flood control project transactions or kickbacks.
He has repeatedly emphasized this and highlighted his clear conscience, which remains the foundation of his defense.
Romualdez has also declared his full cooperation with investigative bodies, appearing voluntarily before the ICI, remaining in the country, and submitting relevant documents and statements.
The former Speaker has also underscored his trust in the independence of the Ombudsman and fairness of the legal system.
Reaffirming faith in an impartial, thorough evaluation by constitutional bodies supports his stance that justice will prevail through evidence-based scrutiny, not political pressure.
In defending himself, Romualdez can challenge statements not made under oath or lacking evidence, as he has done regarding unsubstantiated allegations from contractor testimonies and accusations.
His defense remains fact-driven, respectful of due process, and focused on legal arguments rather than emotions or political rhetoric.
