Former House Speaker and the president's cousin Martin Romualdez has responded to the allegations against him - and we break it all down in this episode.
A falsified affidavit. Three recanted witnesses. A claim that the whole case was scripted as a blackmail scheme.
I summarize the 116-page Counter Affidavit Romualdez filed this month, responding to the corruption complaint we broke down last episode, and it goes after nearly every piece of evidence in it.
On this assignment, I walk through his defense point by point: he had no personal control over the flood control budget; a key witness affidavit was ruled falsified; security aides who described cash deliveries have now recanted; and why he's asking the Ombudsman to dismiss the case entirely, arguing that continuing to prosecute him would itself violate his constitutional rights.
⚠️ A note before you listen: this is one side's sworn response to the allegations. It doesn't settle the case, and the Ombudsman still has to weigh both filings before deciding whether to move forward.
📌 Follow along as this case develops. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, and on my social media and YouTube channels: @natashya_g
What is On Assignment With Me?
I'm Natashya Gutierrez, an award-winning journalist and on this limited series podcast, I take you... On Assignment With Me. Join me as I explore global stories, meet trailblazers and newsmakers, and take you behind the scenes of my investigations. My journalistic curiosity meets intimacy on this assignment, and you're invited.