MANILA, Philippines – A Philippine lawmaker and former speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Martin Romualdez, faces plunder charges at the anti-graft court Sandiganbayan for allegedly pocketing millions of dollars in kickbacks from flood control projects. The office of the Ombudsman, led by Jesus Crispin Remulla, filed the charges on Monday, alleging that approximately 7.4 billion pesos ($118 million) was involved in various transactions.
Romualdez, a cousin of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., has previously denied any wrongdoing. The charges are part of a broader investigation into nearly 10,000 flood control projects, valued at over 545 billion pesos ($9 billion), initiated since Marcos took office in mid-2022. Many of these projects have been found to be substandard, overpriced, or not completed.
The Philippines is highly vulnerable to typhoons, with about 20 such storms hitting the archipelago annually, often causing significant damage and loss of life through floods and landslides. The alleged corruption involves powerful legislators, including former Rep. Zaldy Co, who headed the House appropriations committee and is now considered a fugitive after reportedly fleeing to Europe. Several other individuals, including an incumbent senator, a former senator, ex-government engineers, public works officials, and construction executives, have been detained pending trial.
Ombudsman Remulla stated that the stolen funds were allegedly used to purchase properties and even included a $1 million donation to Harvard University. He indicated that this is just the beginning and more charges, including money laundering, are expected against Romualdez and others.
President Marcos has described the scale of the alleged corruption as “horrible” and has established an independent commission to investigate. Presidential spokesperson Claire Castro quoted Marcos as saying that he would not shield any individuals, even relatives, from scrutiny.