Sona 2026: Marcos Vows Action Against Romualdez Amid Public Skepticism Over “Lip Service”

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Sona 2026: Marcos Vows Action Against Romualdez Amid Public Skepticism Over “Lip Service”

By Bing Jabadan – TheNATIONWEEK.com | July 27, 2026

MANILA, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., in his 2026 State of the Nation Address (Sona), declared his commitment to national duty over familial ties, announcing impending cases against his cousin, former House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez. This move was met with widespread public cynicism regarding its sincerity. Many Filipinos perceive this declaration as a calculated political maneuver, a “lip service” designed to appease public discontent rather than a genuine commitment to combating alleged corruption within the administration, raising concerns about a prevailing “kleptocracy and kakistocracy.”

Marcos opened his Sona by addressing the issue of anomalous flood control projects, a topic that has fueled public outrage and was a focal point of his previous address, where he famously exclaimed, “Mahiya naman kayo!” (Have some shame!). He acknowledged the personal difficulty of pursuing charges against a family member but asserted, “I am the president of the Philippines, and my duty is to you – my fellow Filipinos.” This statement, however, is being scrutinized by a populace weary of unfulfilled promises and the perceived entrenchment of powerful political families.

The President claimed a “wide and thorough investigation” into infrastructure anomalies, asserting that no one was spared and that the evidence led to charges and arrests of contractors, high-ranking officials, and even lawmakers. This assertion directly implicates Romualdez, who has been publicly accused of facilitating “insertions” in infrastructure projects that resulted in the questionable flood control initiatives.

Romualdez, representing Leyte’s first district, has consistently maintained his innocence. He argues that the national budget process, from conception to implementation and oversight, involves multiple branches of government and numerous individuals, making it impossible for a single congressman or even the House Speaker to be the sole mastermind of such schemes. He emphasized that Congress’s role is legislative, not in the execution or inspection of projects.

Further complicating the narrative, the Office of the Ombudsman, in April 2026, reportedly moved to issue an asset freeze order against Romualdez and endorsed a complaint against him to the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC). This development occurred as Romualdez sought to travel for a medical checkup, adding to the public’s perception of a tightening net around the former Speaker.

However, the political landscape surrounding these accusations is intricate and contentious. Contractor couple Pacifico “Curlee” and Cezarah “Sarah” Discaya reportedly named Romualdez among those who allegedly received kickbacks. Moreover, former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co, who chaired the House Committee on Appropriations during Romualdez’s term, released video statements in November 2025 accusing President Marcos Jr. himself, along with former cabinet members and Romualdez, of orchestrating insertions in the 2025 national budget. Co specifically alleged that Marcos, through former Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, directed a P100 billion insertion for infrastructure projects. He also corroborated Senate witness testimony regarding money delivered in luggage to Marcos and Romualdez.

These claims by Co have been met with skepticism from some quarters, particularly regarding their consistency with established budget processes. Nevertheless, they contribute to the narrative of pervasive corruption reaching the highest levels of government.

Amidst these swirling accusations, Romualdez’s lawyer, Elaine Atienza, stated last Friday that the former Speaker is prepared to face any charges, expressing confidence that a fair judgment of the evidence will exonerate him. The Ombudsman’s special panel of prosecutors, however, has accused Romualdez of funneling billions in kickbacks through shell companies and has recommended charges of plunder, direct and indirect bribery, money laundering, and graft before the Sandiganbayan.

The President’s public declaration against Romualdez, while framing it as an act of national duty, is being met with a critical eye by many Filipinos. The long-standing issues of political dynasties, alleged corruption, and the perceived lack of accountability for powerful figures have fostered deep-seated distrust. The coming legal battles, particularly the proceedings against Romualdez, will be a crucial test of the administration’s sincerity and its ability to deliver on promises of good governance, or if it will simply reinforce the public’s belief in a system characterized by “kleptocracy and kakistocracy.”

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