By Politiko staff
There is no forensic or documentary evidence linking former House Speaker Martin Romualdez to the alleged delivery of cash-filled suitcases tied to anomalous flood control projects, his legal counsel maintained.
Atty. Ade Fajardo made the statement after former soldier Orly Guteza executed a new affidavit claiming he was enticed by Sen. Rodante Marcoleta and former Anakalusugan party-list Rep. Mike Defensor to level accusations against Romualdez in exchange for money and educational scholarships for his children.
“Hindi namin ma-predict, hindi namin mahulaan kung sino pa ang babaliktad o sino pa ang magsasabi ng katotohanan,” Fajardo said during a press conference.
“Ang kapansin-pansin lang dito is this investigation has been going on for several months,” the lawyer added. “Lumalabas, wala man lang forensic evidence or object or documentary evidence linking the former Speaker.”
Fajardo pointed out that the allegations against Romualdez rely entirely on verbal accounts that have repeatedly shifted over time.
“Only oral evidence or oral testimony na alam naman natin, ito iyong pinaka-unreliable,” the counsel noted. “That’s why we have laws on perjury, libel, et cetera, kasi these things are easily manufactured.”
Aside from Guteza, four of the original 18 “Maleta Boys” have already recanted their initial claims that they delivered suitcases packed with money to Romualdez.
“It’s a non-case,” Fajardo stressed. “It should be dismissed kasi wala nang ebidensya maliban sa kuwento, at ang kuwento ay iba-iba; ang kuwento ay nababaliktad.”
Fajardo also observed how certain personalities are dragged into or dropped from the allegations depending on shifting political tides.
He further referenced the cyberlibel and perjury charges previously filed against Atty. Levito Baligod and his cohorts.—Politiko.com.ph
