Who is Sofonias Gabonada Jr.?

The House Secretary General has received a subpoena issued by the Office of the Ombudsman regarding the Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) of House Deputy Secretary General Sofonias Gabonada Jr.

But who is Gabonada, and what is his connection to the alleged anomalous flood control projects in the country?

According to Joseph Morong’s report on "24 Oras" on Wednesday, Gabonada is considered a person of interest in the Ombudsman’s fact-finding investigation into possible plunder cases involving former House Speaker Martin Romualdez and former Senate President Francis Escudero in connection with the projects.

The Ombudsman said Gabonada is believed to have extensive knowledge of the funds that allegedly went into the flood control projects.

“Alam niya kung gaano kaimportante itong tao na ‘to. Malalim ho ang alam ni Gabonada,” Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said.

(He knows how important this person is. Gabonada has extensive knowledge.)

Gabonada’s name also surfaced during a Senate inquiry into the flood control projects when Sen. Ronald dela Rosa invited him, alleging that he served as a “bagman” for Romualdez.

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla earlier warned Secretary General Cheloy Garafil over the repeated failure to comply with the Ombudsman’s subpoena concerning Gabonada.

Garafil explained that the House secretariat was unable to receive the subpoena, as on-site operations are limited to Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

The Ombudsman said several other individuals are also being investigated in connection with the budget that may have served as the source of funds for the alleged anomalous projects.

“Marami talagang nakakaalam dun sa nangyayari. It just so happens na itong si Mr. Gabonada ay isa sa mga central figures," Clavano said.

(Many people are aware of what is happening. Mr. Gabonada happens to be one of the central figures.)

"Kung willing ho siya na lumabas at mag-cooperate sa amin, much the better, and I think it would bode well for him as well,”

(If he is willing to come forward and cooperate with us, that would be better, and I think it would bode well for him as well.)

Malacañang has said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. initiated the investigation into the alleged anomalous flood control projects and wants those responsible—including, possibly, his cousin Romualdez—to be held accountable.—Mariel Celine Serquiña/MCG, GMA News