FACT CHECK: Romualdez not arrested, contrary to viral video’s claim

A viral video circulating on social media falsely claims that former House Speaker Martin Romualdez has been arrested in connection with a multi-billion peso flood control corruption scandal. The YouTube channel "POLITICALPHTV" uploaded a video on July 29 with an alarming title and thumbnail, suggesting the former speaker's apprehension. However, the facts indicate that Romualdez has not been arrested or detained. During his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 27, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stated that the Office of the Ombudsman is expected to file multiple cases against Romualdez over his alleged role in the flood control scandal. The Ombudsman has directed Romualdez to answer the complaints against him, but as of this report, no arrest warrant has been issued, and no government agency has confirmed his custody. Furthermore, the video in question does not present evidence of an arrest. Instead, it recycles commentary from another YouTube channel, "The General's Viewpoint," which discusses Romualdez's response to the President's SONA remarks. The narration in the video does not state or provide evidence that Romualdez has been arrested or jailed. Romualdez is among the key officials implicated in the Ombudsman's investigation into the alleged misuse of flood control funds. Investigators allege that he, along with former Ako Bicol representative Zaldy Co and others, amassed approximately P56 billion (around $1 billion USD) in unexplained wealth between 2022 and 2025 through the diversion of public funds and other unlawful financial benefits tied to flood control projects. Separately, the Sandiganbayan's Seventh Division has issued a precautionary hold departure order against Romualdez. In July, the Ombudsman reported that despite this order, Romualdez had been attempting to leave the country through informal channels ahead of expected plunder charges. Romualdez's lawyer, however, has denied these claims, stating that the former speaker is not trying to leave the Philippines and is prepared to face all investigations. This spread of disinformation could be part of attempts to manipulate political discourse or undermine public trust in governmental institutions in the Philippines. For overseas Filipino workers, such political instability and corruption allegations can indirectly impact their lives through the country's overall stability and economic outlook.