Romualdez Backs Marcos' Anti-Graft Stance Amid Own Imminent Charges

Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, a cousin of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and former Speaker of the House, stated his respect for the President’s remarks during the State of the Nation Address (SONA 2026), even as they acknowledged personal hurt for his family. President Marcos, at the commencement of SONA 2026, highlighted the charges filed against officials, lawmakers, and contractors implicated in the corruption of flood control projects, a matter he brought to national attention in his previous report. He further disclosed that the Ombudsman was poised to file charges against Romualdez, an announcement that, while personally painful, was deemed necessary. “This is hurtful for our family, and I respect the President’s statements. I never asked for a favor or special treatment. I agree that we should do what is right,” Romualdez, a lawyer by profession, commented. Romualdez, however, asserted his confidence in proving his innocence. “The right thing to do is to follow due process and let the evidence speak. I maintain that I never committed any criminal act, and I am ready to prove this,” he added. Marcos had begun his SONA 2026 by detailing the charges and detention of high-ranking officials and contractors involved in the flood control projects scam, and the impending charges against his cousin, Romualdez. Speaking with evident emotion, Marcos stated that the impending cases against Romualdez caused him pain but reiterated that it was a necessary action. “The first officials have been charged and detained: contractors, ranking officials of the DPWH, and lawmakers. We have reached a point wherein the Ombudsman said multiple criminal cases will be filed against the former Speaker. This hurts a lot, but it is something we have to do. I am not the President of my family,” Marcos declared. Among those charged and detained in connection with the anomalous flood control projects, valued in the billions of pesos, are Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, former Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., and former Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan. However, the Ombudsman is reportedly considering discharging Bonoan as an accused and designating him as a state witness in the flood control case. Information Source: GMA News Philippines