Ombudsman to file malversation complaints vs. CWS Rep. Edwin Gardiola

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said his office will file over 20 counts of malversation complaints against CWS party-list Rep. Edwin Gardiola for allegedly engaging in government contracting while serving as a member of Congress.

"The Office of the Ombudsman will file two sets of cases for preliminary investigation. This is against Edwin Gardiola, a congressman, a contractor, 20 plus counts of malversation...He had dealings while he was in Congress. Iyong hindi dapat ginagawa ng isang congressman ay ginawa niya,” Remulla said in a press conference.

(He did things that a lawmaker should not have done.)

Remulla was referring to anti-graft laws which prohibit public officials from having financial interests in firms which have government contracts.

“It’s conflict of interest,” Remulla also said in a report by Isa Avendano-Umali on radio dzBB.

“On Mr. Gardiola, he is facing a non-bailable offense because it is malversation,” Remulla added.

GMA News Online is still trying to reach out to Gardiola for comment on the Ombudsman’s statements. —Llanesca Panti/LDF, GMA News