Manila: The camp of Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on Friday stated that the former speaker is prepared to answer any complaint filed against him and is confident that the evidence will support his position.

According to Philippines News Agency, Romualdez's spokesperson, lawyer Elaine Atienza, made the statement following reports that a special panel of investigators from the Office of the Ombudsman had moved to conduct a preliminary investigation. This investigation is based on complaints for plunder, direct and indirect bribery, graft, and violations of the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA) against Romualdez and several others over the flood control controversy.

Atienza emphasized that Romualdez has consistently maintained his readiness to address any allegations through the proper legal process. "Tulad po ng nasabi na namin noon pa man, handa si Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez na harapin ang anumang reklamo laban sa kanya (Like what we've already said before, Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez is ready to face any complaint against him)," she stated.

The complaint seeks a preliminary investigation to determine whether there is probable cause to file charges against Romualdez before the Sandiganbayan. In a press briefing on Monday, Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano mentioned that the complaint stemmed from the Office of the Ombudsman's fact-finding probe into Romualdez's alleged involvement in the reported flood control anomalies.

Atienza expressed their belief that a fair proceeding based on the evidence would establish the former House leader's side of the case. "Naniniwala kami na kung magkakaroon ng patas na laban at patas na paghuhusga batay sa ebidensya, mapapatunayan ni Rep. Romualdez ang kanyang panig (We do believe that if there would be a fair legal battle and equal judging based on evidence, Rep. Romualdez could prove his side)," Atienza said.

She also appealed to the public to allow the legal process to take its course before drawing conclusions.