By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA, Philippines — The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered former House Speaker and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co, and their fellow respondents to submit their counter-affidavits within 15 days as the preliminary investigation into alleged plunder, graft, direct bribery and money laundering linked to the government’s flood control scandal moves forward.
Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano confirmed that the preliminary investigation panel had issued the order requiring the respondents to answer the charges after Ombudsman investigators filed a supplemental complaint-affidavit on July 20.
The complaints stem from allegations that Romualdez, Co and their co-respondents amassed about ₱56 billion in alleged ill-gotten wealth from 2022 to 2025 through corruption-tainted flood control projects. Investigators also alleged that billions of pesos in kickbacks were funneled through companies reportedly associated with one of Romualdez’s close associates.
The issuance of the order marks the latest step in the Ombudsman’s investigation and allows the respondents to formally present their defenses before prosecutors determine whether probable cause exists to elevate the case before the Sandiganbayan.
As of Tuesday, Romualdez’s camp had not confirmed whether it had received the Ombudsman’s directive.
The case gained renewed attention after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., in his fifth State of the Nation Address, cited the investigation involving his first cousin as proof that the administration’s anti-corruption drive would apply equally to relatives, political allies and other public officials.
The President said accountability should prevail over personal ties, stressing that no individual would receive special treatment in cases involving alleged anomalies in flood control projects.
Responding to the President’s remarks, Romualdez reiterated that he respects the legal process and remains prepared to answer the accusations in the proper forum.
“I never asked for favors or special treatment,” Romualdez said in an earlier statement, maintaining that he committed no illegal act and expressing confidence that the evidence would clear his name.
The Office of the Ombudsman, meanwhile, welcomed the President’s assurance that it would be allowed to carry out its constitutional mandate independently, saying the investigation would continue based solely on the evidence and the rule of law.
The preliminary investigation will determine whether sufficient grounds exist to file formal criminal charges against Romualdez, Co and the other respondents before the Sandiganbayan.
ia/xf
