Manila – In a high‑profile arraignment on Wednesday, Rep. Martin Romualdez, a close relative of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., pleaded not guilty to accusations that he and three co‑defendants siphoned billions of pesos from flood‑control projects. The case, brought by the Office of the Ombudsman, alleges that the lawmakers received kickbacks for contracts tied to more than 10,000 flood‑control initiatives valued at over $9 billion since the Marcos administration took office in mid‑2022.
Arraignment and legal context
Romualdez, who previously served as speaker of the House of Representatives, was arrested last week while receiving treatment at a Manila hospital. He was subsequently transferred to a detention facility in Quezon City, where the Sandiganbayan anti‑graft court granted his request to appear via video conference. His attorney, Ade Fajardo, told reporters that Romualdez “maintains his innocence” and will vigorously contest the charges.
Allegations and financial details
The Ombudsman’s office, led by Jesus Crispin Remulla, says the prosecution’s case involves 7.4 billion pesos (about $118 million) funneled through a series of transactions. According to Remulla, the accused attempted to conceal the money by purchasing multiple houses and even donating $1 million to Harvard University. The alleged scheme is part of a broader investigation into substandard, overpriced, or unfinished flood‑control works that have left many communities vulnerable to monsoon‑season flooding and landslides.
Broader anti‑corruption sweep
Romualdez is not the only high‑ranking official under scrutiny. Former Rep. Zaldy Co, once head of the House appropriations committee, is considered a fugitive after fleeing to Europe. An incumbent senator, a former senator, several ex‑government engineers, public‑works officials, and wealthy construction executives have also been detained or charged with plunder, money laundering, or related offenses.
President Marcos Jr. has publicly condemned the alleged corruption, describing its scale as “horrible.” He previously established an independent commission to investigate the flood‑control controversy, though the commission was later disbanded. The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee has also conducted hearings on the matter.
Implications for flood‑control policy
The case highlights ongoing challenges in the Philippines’ infrastructure sector, where rapid development and frequent natural disasters create both urgent need and opportunities for misuse of public funds. Critics argue that the alleged corruption undermines public trust and hampers effective disaster mitigation, while supporters of the administration point to the President’s willingness to pursue accountability as a sign of strong governance.
Legal experts note that plunder is a non‑bailable offense in the Philippines, meaning the accused could remain in custody throughout the trial unless granted bail on separate grounds. The Sandiganbayan court will schedule further hearings, and the outcome could set a precedent for how large‑scale public‑works projects are overseen in the future.
Next steps
Romualdez’s defense team is expected to file motions challenging the evidence and the jurisdiction of the anti‑graft court. Meanwhile, the Ombudsman has indicated that additional cases against other legislators and officials involved in the flood‑control program are forthcoming.
The Philippines continues to grapple with seasonal flooding that claims lives and damages property each year. Effective, transparent management of flood‑control infrastructure remains a critical priority for the nation’s safety and economic stability.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
