The Office of the Ombudsman on Thursday downplayed the reported recantation of former Marine personnel Orly Guteza, who withdrew his earlier testimony alleging that he delivered suitcases of cash to former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, noting that it has 28 witnesses with direct and material information on the former Speaker’s alleged links to the flood control scandal.
In a Facebook post on Thursday, the Ombudsman described witness recantations in high-profile cases as a “classic pressure tactic,” stressing that the investigation does not depend on a single witness.
“Hindi bago ang recantation sa mga high-profile case. Classic pressure tactic ito. Hindi umiikot ang buong imbestigasyon sa isa o kahit sa ilang witnesses,” the Ombudsman said.
“Ipinapaalam ng Office of the Ombudsman na mayroon itong DALAWAMPU'T-WALONG (28) testigo na nakahandang magbigay ng direkta at materyal na kaalaman sa mga transaksyong sinisiyasat sa kaso ni dating Speaker Martin Romualdez,” it said.
The graft-busting body said the witnesses are already undergoing legal processes and include individuals who are still in active government service.
“Nasa ilalim na sila ng legal na proseso sa ngayon. Ito’y mga taong naka-uniporme at aktibo pa rin sa serbisyo,” it said.
The agency also warned that cooperation with lawful proceedings is not a matter of choice for those covered by its legal processes. It added that anyone who attempts to obstruct or interfere with its proceedings would face the full force of the law.
“Sa lahat ng nabigyan na o mabibigyan pa ng legal na proseso, hindi choice ang pakikipagtulungan. Obligasyon 'yan sa batas,” the Ombudsman said.
“Hindi hihinto ang paghahanap ng katotohanan kahit ayaw pang magsalita ninuman,” it said.
