Ombudsman Launches Plunder Probe Against Presidential Cousin Before SONA; Romualdez Warns Marcos Jr.: “Don’t Force Me to Squeal”

Ombudsman Launches Plunder Probe Against Presidential Cousin Before SONA; Romualdez Warns Marcos Jr.: “Don’t Force Me to Squeal”

By Bing Jabadan – TheNATIONWEEK.com | July 24, 2026

MANILA, Philippines – Just two days before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address on July 27, 2026, the Office of the Ombudsman has initiated a preliminary investigation into plunder, bribery, and money laundering charges against former Speaker Martin Romualdez, a prominent cousin of the President. This development ignites a high-stakes legal and political drama, casting a long shadow over the administration’s anti-corruption efforts and sparking intense public discourse regarding the accountability of powerful figures.

The Ombudsman’s panel is investigating Romualdez, former Congressman Zaldy Co, and others for their alleged involvement in a multi-billion-peso flood control scandal. This investigation emerges against a backdrop of long-standing public frustration over allegations of massive kickbacks and ghost projects within flood control initiatives. The timing of this action, targeting a close presidential relative, has led many Filipinos to question the pace of justice and the independence of investigative bodies, raising concerns about perceived delays in cases against high-profile individuals.

Romualdez Issues Blistering Ultimatum

Adding an explosive dimension to the unfolding events, Romualdez has previously delivered a blistering ultimatum to President Marcos Jr. In a video message, he defied any attempt to weaponize public opinion against him and vowed to expose deep-seated secrets across administrations if due process is not strictly followed.

“I have been in public life long enough. I have seen enough. I have heard enough. I know many things about this current administration and past administrations as well,” Romualdez declared, signaling possession of an arsenal of sensitive information. He drew a clear line: “If this matter is to be handled as a legal issue, then let it be handled legally, soberly, and according to evidence. But if certain people insist on waging this in the court of public opinion, then I will have no choice but to defend myself publicly as well.”

“I Will Not Go Quietly, and I Will Not Go Alone.”

The former House leader vowed to resist being made a “fall guy” for systemic corruption. “If this is a political play to push me out and close the story, tarnishing my name and my reputation, then I am telling everyone now: I will not go quietly, and I will not go alone. I will not be the fall guy for other people’s corruption,” he asserted, suggesting a wider network of complicity.

Romualdez’s remarks were prompted by what he described as “disturbing” indications of active efforts to “weaponize” individuals, including the fugitive former lawmaker Zaldy Co, to implicate him in alleged kickbacks. He firmly stressed the collegial nature of the House of Representatives, rejecting the notion that accountability could be pinned on a single individual. “The House is not one person, and it is certainly not the Speaker alone. It is a collegial body made up of hundreds of members, multiple committees, vice chairs, and institutional processes.” This statement directly challenges attempts to isolate him in the controversy.

He reiterated his readiness for a public battle: “To those who think they can throw me under the bus to save themselves, this is what I say to you: I am ready to defend my name. My silence should not be mistaken for weakness, ignorance, or fear. I know enough to defend myself. And if I am forced to do so in public, I will.”

A Call for Due Process, Rejection of Political Expediency

Romualdez appealed for strict adherence to the rule of law, admonishing against the politicization of such a grave issue. “Follow the rule of law and due process. This is a serious matter, and it should be handled with seriousness, not with haste, theatrics, or shortcuts.” He implored investigators to pursue justice without compromise: “If your office truly believes in justice, then follow the sworn statements, follow the records, and follow the evidence all the way. Do not stop where it is politically convenient. Do not settle for the easiest headline. Do not confuse public pressure with prosecutorial duty.”

Senate Criticism and Escalating Legal Battle

Amid Romualdez’s public defiance, former Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson highlighted Romualdez’s failure to testify before the Senate Blue Ribbon committee regarding alleged irregularities in the 2025 national budget. Lacson noted Romualdez had been invited twice to present his defense under oath concerning allegations of “mangling beyond recognition” of the budget during the bicameral conference, an act he now attributes to only two individuals: then Senate President Francis Escudero and former House Appropriations Chairman Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co.

Romualdez has distanced himself from the budget controversy, asserting he was not part of the “small bicam committee” that finalized the national budget and emphasizing that the questioned flood control projects fall under the executive branch’s implementation. Lacson continues to advocate for transparency in the budget process, including the abolition of the “small bicam,” which he describes as a secretive stage prone to fund realignments.

Ombudsman Seeks Travel Ban, Plunder Charges Loom

The political tensions are mirroring an escalating legal battle. The Sandiganbayan is considering an application by the Office of the Ombudsman for a precautionary hold departure order (PHDO) against Romualdez. Ombudsman prosecutors argue for probable cause to charge him with plunder, direct and indirect bribery, violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and money laundering in connection with the alleged flood control kickback scheme. They cite an “exceptionally high probability of flight,” given the gravity of the charges, his access to a diplomatic passport, extensive international connections, and financial capacity.

The application referenced statements from Zaldy Co, who allegedly implicated Romualdez as a mastermind, alongside claims from other witnesses detailing cash deliveries to a Makati address linked to the former Speaker. The court clarified that a PHDO only assesses flight risk and not guilt.

Adding another layer to this unfolding crisis, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla revealed his office is preparing plunder charges against both Romualdez and Escudero, with potential filing expected within May. A separate money laundering probe has also been endorsed to the Anti-Money Laundering Council.

Romualdez’s camp maintains they have yet to receive any formal complaint from the Office of the Ombudsman, setting the stage for a legal and political showdown that promises to reverberate throughout the highest echelons of Philippine power. The Sandiganbayan’s decision on the PHDO will be the next crucial development in this rapidly intensifying saga.

*         *         *

Influence the Influential. Power Truth. TheNATIONWEEK.com

More than news: we are a defining force in independent journalism, delivering rigorous, unbiased reporting to an engaged, opinion-shaping audience that values integrity. Partner with us to align your brand with trust, reach discerning leaders, and amplify your impact. Your message. Our mission. Unrivaled engagement. Email nationweek@yahoo.com today.