Ombudsman names Romualdez 'central figure' in flood control corruption scheme

MANILA, Philippines – The Office of the Ombudsman has identified former House speaker and Leyte Representative Martin Romualdez as the “central figure” in the multi-billion flood control corruption scandal. “Our investigation identifies former speaker Romualdez as the central figure in a scheme built on the diversion of public funds meant for flood control projects — funds that were supposed to shield Filipino communities from the very floods that, year after year, take their homes, their livelihoods, and too often, their lives,” Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said on Monday, July 20. This comes as the agency moves to pursue plunder and money laundering cases against him, former Ako Bicol representative Elizaldy Co, and several others. On Friday, July 17, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said that his office is “very close” to filing plunder charges against Romualdez. Clavano added that the Ombudsman’s findings were also supported by sworn statements from eight individuals who previously served as Co’s security personnel and provided “firsthand accounts” detailing alleged cash deliveries from Co to Romualdez. He, however, clarified that the July 20 announcement – that the Ombudsman is set to file two separate complaints for preliminary investigation – is not yet a formal charge before a court. “It is this Office’s determination that the evidence gathered is substantial enough to warrant a full and formal inquiry into whether or not the case should be filed in court,” he said. The respondents will be “given the opportunity to answer” before the matter is submitted for resolution, whether or not the case will be filed before the Sandiganbayan, according to Clavano. The latest development comes nearly a year after the flood controversy erupted following the State of the Nation Address of Romualdez’s cousin President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Rappler’s investigations have also uncovered six multimillion-peso properties that were either purchased or changed hands among Romualdez associates since he became House speaker in 2022. The Court of Appeals in April ordered the freezing of assets linked to Romualdez after finding probable cause to believe they were connected to alleged plunder, graft, and direct and indirect bribery. He has also been placed under a preliminary hold departure order, which was affirmed by the Sandiganbayan. The US government has also canceled Romualdez’s diplomatic and tourist/business visas. Despite the travel restrictions, Clavano said the Ombudsman has received “credible intelligence reports” that Romualdez continues to attempt to leave the country. “The office calls on all relevant agencies to make sure this does not happen,” he said. Co, the former chairperson of the House committee of appropriations, is out of the country and has reportedly filed for political asylum in France. – Rappler.com