The Office of the Ombudsman will begin its preliminary investigation into the plunder and Anti-Money Laundering Act violation complaints against former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

According to Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano, based on the initial investigation, the former House Speaker is being considered a "central figure" in the flood control scam.

In connection with this, the Palace emphasized that President Ferdinand Marcos will not interfere in the investigation involving his cousin.

"Wala po, hindi po makikialam ang Pangulo sa anumang pag-iimbestiga. Sabi nga po natin at ang sabi rin po ng Pangulo, kahit sino po ang maapektuhan dito, kung saan po pupunta ang ebidensiya, sundan na lang po natin." Palace Press Officer USec. Claire Castro said.

(There is none, the President will not interfere in any investigation. As we've said, and as the President himself has said, whoever gets affected by this, wherever the evidence leads, we will just follow it.)

Meanwhile, USec. Castro denied the allegation of ACT Teachers Partylist Representative Antonio Tinio of selective justice, wherein administration allies involved in the flood control anomaly have not yet been charged.

According to the Palace official, the justice system requires evidence and due process, and not mere accusations.

"Iyong mga hindi halos sanay sa mga humaharap sa korte o nagsasampa ng kaso, puwede nilang sabihin na nababagalan sila. Pero sa riyalidad, kapag kayo po mismo ang nandudoon at nagsasampa ng kaso, malalaman ninyo na itong ginagawa ng Ombudsman, ng DOJ ay napakabilis na po."

(Those who are not really used to appearing in court or filing cases may say that things are moving slowly. But in reality, when you yourselves are there and filing a case, you will find out that what the Ombudsman and the DOJ are doing is actually very fast.)

USec. Castro also challenged critics who are growing impatient over the accountability of those involved in the said anomaly.

"So, lahat ng mga naiinip, kung mayroon na kayong ebidensiyang kongkreto, go ahead and file the cases now."

(So, to all those who are impatient, if you already have concrete evidence, go ahead and file the cases now.)

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