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BAGAMAT iginagalang ang karapatan ng Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), kumbinsido si dating House Speaker Martin Romualdez na walang sapat na ebidensyang magdidiin sa kanya sa flood control scandal.
“We acknowledge the referral submitted by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to the Office of the Ombudsman on November 21 and welcome the Commission’s completion of its fact-gathering mandate. We respect the ICI’s commitment to transmit all gathered evidence to the Office of the Ombudsman for further evaluation,” pahayag ni Atty. Ade Fajardo, na tumatayong abogado at tagapagsalita ni Romualdez.
“The Referral incorporates all evidence presented by former Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez—his sworn affidavit, complete transcripts, and the full audio-video recording of his voluntary appearance before the Commission last October 14.”
Subalit pagbibigay-diin ni Atty. Fajardo, ang mahalagang mabatid sa ginawang ‘referral’ ng ICI ay pagsasabi ng independent fact-finding body na ito ay “issued without any finding or conclusion of guilt or liability on the part of former Speaker Romualdez.”
“This clear statement reinforces our confidence in the Commission’s impartiality and reinforces the constitutional role of the Ombudsman as the sole authority empowered to make determination on accountability.”
Aniya, magsasagawa naman ng independent, thorough, and objective review” ang Ombudsman sa isinumiteng mga ebidensya ng ICI.
“From the outset, we have consistently maintained that a fair and complete assessment of the record will reflect the truth.” (ROMER R. BUTUYAN)
