Marcos Hints at Corruption Probe Against Former Speaker, Shakes Philippine Politics

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. hinted in his recent State of the Nation Address (SONA) that the Ombudsman is nearing the filing of multiple corruption cases against a former House Speaker. While the President did not name the individual, his remarks were widely interpreted as referring to former Speaker Martin Romualdez, who is also the President's cousin. "We have reached the point where, according to the Ombudsman, the filing of multiple cases against the former speaker is near. This is painful for me, but we must do what is right," Marcos stated during his speech. He further emphasized, "I am not the president of my family. I am not the president of my friends. I am the president of the Philippines, and my duty is to you, my fellow Filipinos." In response, Romualdez issued a statement shortly after the SONA, expressing his respect for the President's remarks. "Painful as this is for our family, I respect the president’s statement. I have never asked for favors or special treatment," he said. Romualdez also agreed with Marcos that "what is right must be done," but denied any wrongdoing. "What is right is to follow the process and let the evidence speak. I maintain that I have not done anything against the law, and I am ready to prove this," he asserted. On July 20, the Ombudsman announced it was set to file complaints of plunder and violation of the Anti-Money Laundering Act against Romualdez in connection with a flood control corruption scandal. Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano described Romualdez as "the central figure in a scheme built on the diversion of public funds meant for flood control projects." Romualdez was first publicly linked to the issue in 2025 alongside resigned Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co. Contractors Curlee and Sarah Discaya also mentioned Romualdez during a Senate probe into the alleged flood control kickback scheme. Romualdez has consistently denied the allegations. His camp previously stated that there was no evidence linking him to any anomaly and that he was prepared to face legal proceedings if charges were filed. This development introduces tension into the Philippines' political landscape, drawing attention to internal power dynamics within the ruling party and the future direction of anti-corruption efforts. Romualdez, who was seen as an influential figure since the early days of the Marcos administration, now faces scrutiny over these allegations.