Trillion-Peso Kickbacks: Romualdez, Ex-Marines Face Senate Probe

former Speaker and Leyte 1st District Representative Martin Romualdez

Trillion-Peso Kickbacks: Romualdez, Ex-Marines Face Senate Probe

By Bing Jabadan – TheNATIONWEEK.com | June 3, 2026

MANILA, Philippines – The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee has intensified its investigation into alleged multi-trillion peso kickbacks from “ghost projects” within national flood control programs. 

In a significant move signaling a deeper probe, the committee has formally summoned former Speaker and Leyte 1st District Representative Martin Romualdez, along with eighteen former Philippine Marines, to appear before its upcoming session.

This pivotal hearing, scheduled for Thursday, June 4, marks the inaugural session under newly appointed chairperson Senator Pia Cayetano. 

Senator Cayetano emphasized the committee’s expectation of full cooperation from all invited individuals and government agencies, highlighting a renewed commitment to legislative oversight and public accountability in safeguarding vital infrastructure funds.

The reissuance of summons to attorney Levito Baligod and the eighteen former Marines, following earlier reports of their withdrawal, firmly establishes the committee’s resolve to pursue all avenues of inquiry. This comprehensive list of those summoned reflects the broad scope of the investigation:

• Atty. Levito D. Baligod
• Belnard E. Tube
• Rosebert M. Waupan
• Benny S. Bulontate
• Johnny A. Buduan
• Rodante P. Orbillo
• Reyneboy O. Julian
• Christopher T. Esquivel
• George O. Villalon, Jr.
• Romeo Rommel O. Bobares
• Gil N. Navidad, Jr.
• Anselmo Taberdo
• Joely G. Cadiao
• Rommel C. Galapon
• Cecilio S. Larroder, Jr.
• Bernard A. Gumban
• Crisanie L. Dado
• Fidel M. Corpuz
• Walter M. Manalansan

Key government agencies are also mandated to send representatives, including the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Office of the Ombudsman, the Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

Additionally, several private individuals – Mark Ticsay, Paul Estrada, Joshua Cano, Jon Kerby Pajarilla, Roland Supat, Atty. Sam Buenviale, Arnel Ganggob, Jocelyn Servino, and individuals identified as “Edwin” and Brice Hernandez – have been called to provide testimony.

The committee’s unwavering focus is to uncover the truth behind reported anomalies in critical flood control initiatives. Testimonies from these diverse individuals are anticipated to yield crucial insights into the alleged corruption, potentially exposing systemic issues and holding accountable those responsible for the purported misuse of public funds intended for national protection. The nation awaits the profound revelations expected from this high-stakes hearing.

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