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‘Case vs. former Speaker violated PBBM’s follow the evidence call’ THE Ombudsman’s case against former Speaker and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez appears to have preceded the evidence, going against President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s call to "follow the evidence," former Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) president and law school dean Atty. Jose Roy III said.
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In an interview over radio DZMM, Roy said accusations against Romualdez amid the government's investigation of the flood control scandal had continued even before a formal complaint was filed, arguing that investigators "pointed to the Speaker first" instead of letting the evidence lead the investigation. Next page
VOL. XL • NO. 175 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P20 •SATURDAY, AUGUST 8, 2026 •
4 ‘Maleta Boys’ recant flood control allegations
Blue Ribbon hands Admit they were promised financial aid for untrue testimony flood control probe to Ombudsman By Rex Espiritu and Ram Superable SEN. Erwin Tulfo on Friday said the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee will defer to the Office of the Ombudsman in investigating alleged corruption in flood control projects to avoid disrupting ongoing cases. Tulfo said the decision was reached during a closed-door meeting with Ombudsman Jesus Crispin "Boying" Remulla and Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian. "It was a coordination meeting with Next page
Court to decide on Quiboloy’s extradition—DOJ
• Ex-Speaker: Recantation shows accusations false, fabricated • Lacson flags numerous flip-flopping of ex-bodyguards
By Pot Chavez and Katrina Manubay THE Department of Justice (DOJ) on Thursday said it is ultimately up to the courts to determine whether an extradition request complies with Philippine law and treaty obligations. Justice spokesperson Atty. Polo Martinez made the clarification when asked about the extradition process following the Department of Foreign Affairs' (DFA) confirmation that it
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RECANTATION. Four of the 18 so-called ‘Maleta Boys’ (top photo) recanted their affidavits during an interview with GMA News yesterday. The lower photo shows Ombudsman Boying Remulla meeting with Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian and Blue Ribbon chair Sen. Erwin Tulfo wherein they decided to let the Office of the Ombudsman handle the ongoing investigations into the flood control anomalies. GMA video grab/ Office of Sen. Erwin Tulfo
Sen. Legarda, Rep. Leviste leave PH, says NBI
By Rex Espiritu, Maricel Cruz, Katrina Manubay Ram Superable and Joel Zurbano OUR men who identified themselves as former bodyguards of ex-Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co have withdrawn their earlier sworn statements that implicated President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., former Speaker Martin Romualdez, Co, and other personalities in alleged kickbacks from flood control projects.
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In a report They said aired on GMA's we can af"24 Oras," the ford not to four said their work for two previous alyears. Then legations were there would NEWS / A3 untrue and be security that they were for our famipromised finanlies," one of them said. cial assistance in exchange for their Asked what they were allegedly testimony against the President, Ropromised in return, he replied: "In exmualdez, and Co, among others. change for the joint affidavit." "There was a promise made. For financial assistance, for instance. Next page
10 ‘Maleta Boys’ arrested for failing to pay bail
By Ram Superable and Pot Chavez
Sen. Loren Legarda
NATIONAL Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag confirmed on Friday that Sen. Loren Legarda and her son Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste have left the country. Legarda, who was absent from Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial and routine legislative sessions from August 3 to 5, departed for France while Leviste flew to Hong Kong on a separate flight the same day. Next page
Rep. Leandro Leviste
Palace, DFA hit anti-China caskets dropped in Metro By Rex Espiritu, Vince Lopez and Katrina Manubay
ANTI-CHINA. Unidentified persons leave five empty anti-China caskets in several places in Metro Manila. The caskets featured distorted images of Chinese leaders and anti-Chinese messages. PNP
MALACAÑANG on Friday deplored the surreptitious display by unidentified persons of anti-China caskets in parts of Metro Manila, urging the public to cooperate with authorities and report relevant information while the Philippine National Police continues its investigation into the incident. Five caskets featuring distorted images of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Next page
MARK OF TESDA. President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. checks out the products made by TESDA graduates during a visit to Ilocos Norte. The exhibit showcased products from 23 TESDA-accredited institutions. PCO
DOE expects big-time rollback next week By Alena Mae S. Flores and Darwin G. Amojelar CONSUMERS can expect a rollback of as much as P5 per liter next week due to the softening world oil prices on renewed hopes of a diplomatic breakthrough in the US-Iran conflict easing
the geopolitical risk premium. Several transport groups called off their planned strike next week after the Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced a package of financial assistance and incentives to help public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and operators cope with rising fuel prices. Next page