Marcos Distances Himself from Kin Amid Flood Control Scandal Allegations

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has distanced himself from allegations of corruption involving his cousin, former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, stating that the Office of the Ombudsman is preparing to file multiple cases against him. During his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Marcos declared, "I am not the president of my family. I am not the president of my friends. I am the president of the Philippines." This statement was made in reference to alleged involvement in a flood control scam. The President also announced that the government had recovered, frozen, and preserved P25 billion in assets, which have been returned to the national treasury. Last week, the Office of the Ombudsman filed a supplemental complaint affidavit against Romualdez, former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co, and several others for preliminary investigation. The complaint alleges that Romualdez and Co amassed P56 billion in ill-gotten wealth from 2022 to 2025 through the alleged diversion and misuse of public funds and the receipt of undue financial benefits from government transactions. The respondents are facing allegations of plunder, graft, and direct bribery. Senator Risa Hontiveros welcomed the President's remarks, telling reporters, "That's what a president should say." She appreciated the president's declaration of prioritizing the nation over family and friends. The corruption allegations highlight ongoing public distrust in the misuse of public funds and the abuse of power by politicians and their relatives in the Philippines. The Marcos administration's approach to combating corruption remains a key point of attention.