00:00The tide has turned for former Speaker Martin Romualdez as the spotlight shifts to his role in controversial budget appropriations.
00:08The Ombudsman isn't pulling any punches, insisting he must answer for the actions taken under his watch in the House of Representatives.
00:15Our Isaiah Mirifuentes narrates the report.
00:20Martin Romualdez is still not safe.
00:24This was the statement made by Ombudsman Jesus Crispin de Mulya.
00:28According to him, the former Speaker must be held accountable because he appointed former Representative Zaldico as House Appropriations Committee Chair.
00:37Because of this, he may face charges of gross inexcusable negligence.
00:42As the leader of the House, he was responsible for the appointment of Zaldico.
00:46Although he was elected, although Zaldico was elected on the floor, everybody knows that it was the Speaker's choice.
00:53That's why we have to hold him accountable for that.
00:56Mulya also said that Zaldico was the one communicating with Senators to insert budget items and finalize the plan.
01:04The Ombudsman also maintained that even former Senate President Senator Jesus Scudero is not exempt from accountability.
01:11According to Mulya, the investigation into Scudero's involvement in the flood control anomaly is still ongoing.
01:17Kasi nga, you're the leader of one house, of one house and the other house is led by Sen. Jesus Scudero as Senate President.
01:26And they were able to come up with that budget which included insertions and which included diversions of money.
01:34The office of the Ombudsman will also form a special task force to investigate the Villar family.
01:41It can be recalled that Sen. Mark Villar was the DPWA Secretary during the previous administration.
01:47We may be putting up a new task force for the river drive and for the flood control of Las Piñas, Baco or Las Piñas area.
01:56Kasi andoon yung mga lupa na nag-benefit din eh.
01:59There are the landowners also that benefited from that.
02:02The Ombudsman is confident that by November 11, charges will be filed and this will include high-ranking officials.
02:09They are also studying ways to ensure that the stolen public funds will be returned to the people.
02:15Isaiah Mir Fuentes from the National TV Network for a new and better Philippines.
