Joselito Malig

Ombudsman ‘still trying to get everything’ Bonoan can contribute to flood control case

Article (news)

Daniza Fernandez

ABS-CBN News

MANILA — The Ombudsman is “still trying to get everything” that former Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan can contribute to the flood control anomaly cases.The anti-graft body earlier said it would ask the court to discharge Bonoan from flood control cases in exchange for becoming a state witness.But Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said they are still evaluating the planned motion to discharge the former official.“Kung ang value ng kanyang testimony ay hilaw, ‘wag na lang. Ituloy na lang namin ‘yung kaso sa kanya,” the Ombudsman said in a press briefing on Friday.“We’re still trying to get everything that he can contribute. There are some answers that we’re not able to get from him,” he added.The Ombudsman previously said Bonoan’s testimony would be used against former House speaker and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez.But if the graft-busting body is not satisfied with the testimony, Remulla said Bonoan will still face plunder and graft charges over alleged budget insertions for flood control projects.<div>18 EX-BODYGUARDS’ CREDIBILITY</div>Meanwhile, the Ombudsman insisted that details in the individual affidavits of the 18 former bodyguards of resigned Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co are “clear and consistent,” compared to their joint affidavit.“The joint affidavit of the 18 ex-bodyguards is indeed riddled with credibility issues because there is no way 18 people can tell the exact same story with the exact same details in a singular document. It fails even an initial evaluation,” Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said in a statement.“However, when they executed the individual affidavits, our investigators determined that the details were clear and consistent insofar as the cash deliveries of Zaldy to Martin are concerned,” he added.Clavano said their investigators have gathered independent supporting evidence to back the claims of the former bodyguards.Romualdez questioned the Ombudsman for tapping some of the bodyguards, who are facing cyberlibel and perjury charges filed by the Department of Justice.The former speaker said he is asking for fair justice.Romualdez and Co are facing complaints of plunder, graft, and bribery over the alleged misuse of funds in connection to flood control projects.The complaints are under preliminary investigation.

The Ombudsman is “still trying to get everything” that former Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan can contribute to the flood control anomaly cases.

The Ombudsman is “still trying to get everything” that former Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan can contribute to the flood control anomaly cases.