The Office of the Ombudsman announced on July 20 that it will file two separate complaints for preliminary investigation against former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, former Ako Bicol Representative Elizaldy "Zaldy" Co, and several others in connection with a multibillion-peso flood control scandal — one for plunder under Republic Act No. 7080, and another for violation of the Anti-Money Laundering Act, as amended.
The announcement, read publicly by Assistant Ombudsman Jose Dominic "Mico" Clavano IV, identified Romualdez as the "central figure" in a scheme allegedly built on the diversion of public funds intended to protect Filipino communities from flooding, according to the Ombudsman's office.
Eight Former Marines Provide Firsthand Testimony
The complaints rest on sworn statements from eight individuals who formerly served as Co's personal security personnel, according to Clavano. He said the men stated they were present during the exchanges, witnessing money allegedly being delivered from Co to Romualdez, and that their accounts detail specific amounts.
Clavano drew a firm distinction between this testimony and hearsay, describing the statements as "firsthand account from those who were there" — people who moved with Co and observed the transactions directly.
Only Eight of a Larger Pool of Witnesses
Atty. Levito Baligod, counsel for the former marines, disclosed that the eight named in the announcement were randomly selected from a larger group of 18. Each was separately interviewed by Ombudsman lawyers and asked to execute individual affidavits.
Baligod said the Office informed him that the sworn statements of the remaining witnesses would be taken at a later time. "Walo pa lang yan," Baligod said — signaling that additional testimony is expected to follow.
Filing Is a Procedural Step, Not a Conviction
Clavano was explicit in defining the scope of the announcement. A complaint for preliminary investigation is the Office's determination that evidence is substantial enough to warrant a full formal inquiry into whether a case should be filed in court — it is not a conviction, nor a formal charge before a judicial body.
He said every respondent will be given the opportunity to respond to the allegations, and the presumption of innocence remains in place unless and until proven otherwise in the proper forum.
Travel Restrictions, Frozen Assets, and U.S. Visa Cancellation
The filing builds on a series of earlier legal and administrative actions against Romualdez. The Court of Appeals in April ordered the freezing of assets linked to him after finding probable cause tying those assets to alleged plunder, graft, and bribery, according to court records. The Sandiganbayan has also affirmed a hold departure order barring him from leaving the Philippines.
The United States separately canceled his diplomatic and tourist visas. Despite these restrictions, Clavano said the Ombudsman's office had received credible intelligence that Romualdez continues to attempt to leave the country, and called on all relevant agencies to prevent his departure.
Co, who served as former chair of the House appropriations committee, is currently outside the Philippines and has been considered a fugitive.
Romualdez Camp Denies the Allegations
Romualdez's legal team has maintained his innocence. His lawyers told the Daily Tribune they are prepared to face the process but insist there is no clear proof linking him to the anomalies, noting the matter remains at the case build-up stage.
The defense has also questioned the reliability of the affidavits submitted by Co's alleged bagmen, citing what it described as inconsistencies in their claims. Romualdez has repeatedly denied being the mastermind and has pointed to others as the individuals who made the relevant budget decisions.
Ombudsman Had Signaled Filing Was Imminent
The July 20 announcement came days after Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said on July 17 that his office was "very close" to filing plunder charges against Romualdez, according to Rappler. State prosecutors have pegged the alleged kickbacks tied to the flood control projects at roughly ₱56 billion, according to the Philippine Daily Inquirer.
What Comes Next for the Respondents
Romualdez and the other respondents will be formally asked to submit their answers to the allegations. Once their responses are received, the case will be submitted for resolution, and a panel of prosecutors will decide whether it should be filed with the Sandiganbayan for trial.
By the Numbers
- ₱56 billion — estimated value of alleged kickbacks tied to the flood control projects, according to state prosecutors
- 2 — number of separate complaints filed: one for plunder under R.A. 7080, one for violation of the Anti-Money Laundering Act
- 8 — former marines whose sworn statements anchor the complaints, randomly selected for the initial filing
- 18 — total number of former marines in the witness pool, according to Atty. Baligod
- July 17, 2026 — date Ombudsman Remulla publicly said charges were imminent, three days before the formal announcement
Why This Matters
The case represents one of the most significant corruption proceedings against a former House Speaker in recent Philippine history, with the Ombudsman identifying Romualdez as the "central figure" in the alleged diversion of funds meant for flood control infrastructure. The involvement of firsthand witnesses — former personal security personnel who say they observed cash deliveries — gives prosecutors a testimonial foundation that the Office has publicly distinguished from circumstantial or secondhand evidence. With 10 additional witnesses yet to give sworn statements, and a fugitive co-respondent still abroad, the scope of the case is likely to expand before it reaches the Sandiganbayan.
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