The administration of Pres. Bongbong Marcos asserts that evidence must prevail amid the plunder case filed against his cousin
Malacañang, or the administration of President Bongbong Marcos, released a statement following the plunder case filed against former House Speaker, Congressman Martin Romualdez.
In a statement on Monday, Malacañang expressed its respect for the Office of the Ombudsman’s decision to file a plunder case against former House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, maintaining that the legal process must be guided strictly by evidence.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stated on Monday that regardless of personal connections, anyone deemed responsible for wrongdoing must face accountability, based on the report from Inquirer.
Castro added that while she had not yet discussed the specific filing with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the President’s stance remains clear that the law must take its course, even though Romualdez is his maternal first cousin.
“As far as the president is concerned, whoever should be held accountable must be held accountable. Whoever they may be—whether a relative, friend, political ally, or political opponent—whatever the evidence shows should be brought to light,” the Palace Press Officer said.
She also said that it is now up to those who will be charged, if they have sufficient evidence to defend themselves. “And we respect the Ombudsman’s action because this falls within its mandate,” Castro added.
The Palace Press Officer also stressed that while President Bongbong Marcos demands full accountability, he is likely affected by his cousin’s situation. Marcos had expressed this sentiment during his fifth State of the Nation Address.
During his fifth SONA in July, Marcos spoke about the Ombudsman’s impending charges against Romualdez. He emphasized that he is President of the Philippines and the Filipino people, and not just a single individual. Even though it would be painful for him, what needs to be done must be done.
“We have reached a point when, according to the Ombudsman, the filing of multiple cases against the former House Speaker will be done soon. This is painful for us, but we have to do what is right. I am not the president of my family. I am not the president of my friend. I am the president of the Philippines, and my duty is to you – my fellow Filipinos,” the President said back then.
