The flood control controversy has taken a major turn, putting former House Speaker and Leyte 1st District Representative Martin Romualdez at the center of a case that could stretch far beyond the first charge filed against him. What started as an investigation into alleged irregularities in government projects has now reached the Sandiganbayan, with billions of pesos allegedly involved. But according to the Office of the Ombudsman, this may only be the beginning. Read on for the full story and the latest developments surrounding Romualdez.
P7.44-billion plunder case filed
The Office of the Ombudsman formally filed a plunder case against Romualdez before the Sandiganbayan on Sept. 7 over alleged kickbacks linked to flood control, infrastructure and other government projects implemented from 2022 to 2025. Prosecutors allege that Romualdez and former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co repeatedly received commissions, percentages, kickbacks and other financial benefits amounting to at least P7.44 billion. The case was filed under Republic Act 7080, the Plunder Law.
Romualdez was charged alongside Co, his personal assistant Joselyn Tragua Serenio and Felicito Cristobal Guevarra, president of Samchan Foreign Exchange Corp. The Ombudsman alleges that the money came from contractors and individuals with interests in government projects. The agency also linked the alleged transactions to properties and other assets associated with Romualdez.
Ombudsman: More cases coming
The P7.44-billion case may not be the last legal battle Romualdez will face. Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said the agency is preparing a series of cases involving the former House speaker and other individuals linked to the alleged corruption. These could include additional plunder cases as well as money laundering charges.
The Ombudsman has described Romualdez as one of the biggest figures so far in the flood control investigation. Investigators have also looked into allegations involving the movement of money outside the country and the purchase of properties under different company names. These allegations will still have to go through the proper court process before any criminal liability can be established.
Arrest warrant issued
Hours after the Ombudsman filed the case, the Sandiganbayan Third Division issued warrants of arrest against Romualdez, Co, Serenio and Guevarra. The warrants reportedly carried no recommendation for bail and also included hold departure orders against the accused.
Romualdez, however, was not taken to a regular detention facility immediately. He was brought to Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan City after experiencing what Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla described as a cardiovascular event, unstable blood pressure and an anxiety attack. Police later served the arrest warrant inside the hospital, placing Romualdez under government custody.
Hospital stay does not end arrest
Remulla said authorities would continue monitoring Romualdez’s condition while he remains in the hospital. He explained that once doctors determine that the former Speaker is fit to appear before the court, authorities can proceed with the next steps in his detention. Armed police were also deployed around the hospital as the warrant was served.
Romualdez’s legal team, meanwhile, said he would face the allegations through the proper legal process. His camp has maintained that any criminal liability should be determined by evidence presented in court and asked that he be given due process and a fair hearing.
Bonoan’s testimony in focus
The latest case also comes shortly after former Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan was removed as an accused in a separate case and considered for state-witness status. The Ombudsman has said Bonoan’s testimony could help investigators explain how the department’s projects were handled and how the alleged scheme operated. His possible cooperation has added another layer to the investigation surrounding the flood control controversy.
The investigation has also relied on testimonies from former members of Co’s security detail who allegedly claimed they delivered cash in suitcases. Some of those witnesses later recanted their statements, but the Ombudsman said the withdrawals would not stop the broader investigation.
The case now moves to court
For now, the P7.44-billion plunder case is before the Sandiganbayan, where the allegations against Romualdez and his co-accused will be tested through the judicial process. The filing marks one of the biggest developments yet in the government’s investigation into alleged corruption involving flood control projects. More charges could still follow as prosecutors continue examining financial transactions, witnesses and other evidence.
With Romualdez now under government custody and the Ombudsman signaling that additional cases are being prepared, the flood control scandal is far from over. The coming proceedings could determine not only the strength of the current plunder case but also whether the investigation will lead to further charges. For now, all eyes are on the Sandiganbayan as the case moves into its next stage.
