Romualdez’s Shadow Looms in Flood Probe; Senators Face Bribery Allegations

Romualdez’s Shadow Looms in Flood Probe; Senators Face Bribery Allegations

By TheNationWeek.Com  | September 25, 2025

MANILA, Philippines – As the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee intensifies its probe into alleged corruption in flood control projects, a question hangs over the proceedings: Why is former House Speaker Martin Romualdez’s name conspicuously absent?

The question has fueled speculations of a cover-up as bombshell accusations implicate Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Joel Villanueva, Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co, and a cadre of former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials in the flood control anomalies.

Amid the swirling allegations, the absence of Romualdez’s name has ignited debate.

Given the inquiry’s focus on corruption within the DPWH and the allocation of funds, observers question why the former speaker, a powerful figure with significant influence over congressional appropriations, remains untouched by the accusations.

The Department of Justice (DOJ), under Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, has announced that the National Bureau of Investigation has recommended the filing of charges for alleged indirect bribery and malversation of public funds against Estrada, Villanueva, Co, former Public Works Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, former Bulacan district engineer Henry Alcantara, and former Caloocan Rep. Mitch Cajayon-Uy.

The announcement coincided with Alcantara’s testimony, which not only reaffirmed accusations against the previously named officials but also implicated former senator Bong Revilla and Commission on Audit Commissioner Mario Lipana.

Alcantara alleged that Bernardo instructed him to set aside P300 million in insertions in the 2024 General Appropriations Act for Revilla, then a senatorial candidate.

According to Alcantara, Villanueva allegedly requested a P1.5 billion multipurpose building project in 2022, with P600 million ultimately approved.

While Villanueva reportedly did not explicitly request a percentage, Bernardo allegedly instructed Alcantara to designate Villanueva as the “proponent” of P600 million worth of flood control projects from unprogrammed appropriations in 2023.

Alcantara claimed he delivered P150 million, or 25 percent of the project cost, to one of Villanueva’s employees.

Estrada is also implicated, with Alcantara testifying that Bernardo sought projects to allocate P355 million for “SJE” (Sen. Jinggoy Estrada) during the 2024 budget hearing, with 25 percent allegedly intended for the lawmaker.

Where is Romualdez?

Amid the swirling allegations, the conspicuous absence of Romualdez’s name has ignited debate.

Given the inquiry’s focus on corruption within the DPWH and the allocation of funds, observers question why the former speaker, a powerful figure with significant influence over congressional appropriations, remains untouched by the accusations.

Denials, Counter-Accusations

Both Villanueva and Estrada have vehemently denied any involvement in the alleged corruption.

Villanueva stated, “I have nothing to hide, and I welcome any inquiry that will bring out the truth,” stressing Alcantara’s admission that Villanueva was unaware of the flood control project being pushed in Bulacan.

Estrada, who previously faced and was cleared of plunder charges in the pork barrel scam, expressed outrage at insinuations linking him to corruption.

He even asserted that past cases against him were proven baseless.

DOJ Moves to Freeze Assets and Secure Witnesses

The DOJ has secured permission to bring Alcantara under the Witness Protection Program (WPP) and is considering his former assistant, Hernandez, as a potential state witness.

Remulla confirmed that the DOJ has contacted the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) to freeze the assets of the six individuals facing corruption charges.

The NBI has recommended the filing of charges for violation of Section 3 of Republic Act 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act), indirect bribery, and malversation of public funds against the six individuals.

Restitution of Ill-Gotten Wealth

Beyond prosecution, the DOJ is reportedly prioritizing the restitution of any ill-gotten wealth derived from the alleged flood control corruption.

This includes pursuing the recovery of funds and assets that may have been illegally obtained through the flood projects.