Manila: Former Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez’s camp on Thursday rejected attempts to pin plunder and other serious crimes on him, stressing that the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) itself made clear its referral to the Ombudsman was ‘issued without finding or conclusion of guilt or liability.’

According to Philippines News Agency, lawyer Ade Fajardo, counsel and spokesperson of Romualdez, said recent statements attributed to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) should not be misconstrued as proof of wrongdoing. Fajardo emphasized that a DPWH ‘recommendation’ does not equate to a finding, much less a determination of guilt.

He categorically denied reports suggesting that the ICI had recommended the filing of plunder or other serious charges against the former Speaker. Fajardo reiterated that the ICI made it clear in their referral report that it was issued without finding or conclusion of guilt or liability on the part of Romualdez.

Romualdez, according to Fajardo, respects institutional processes and is confident that the Ombudsman will assess the matter independently and fairly. He stated that they respect due process and will await the Ombudsman to independently evaluate the submissions based on evidence, not press conference soundbites.