Rep. Martin Romualdez, a cousin and former political ally of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., was charged Monday with plunder alongside other officials in connection with alleged corruption tied to flood control projects. The anti-graft court Sandiganbayan received the charges, which center on accusations that Romualdez and associates diverted approximately 7.4 billion pesos ($118 million) through various transactions. Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla, whose office filed the charges, stated that stolen funds were concealed through real estate purchases and donations, including a $1 million gift to Harvard University.
Nearly 10,000 flood control projects worth more than 545 billion pesos ($9 billion) have come under government scrutiny since Marcos took office. Many of these initiatives were discovered to be substandard, excessively priced, or never completed. The Philippines faces regular typhoon threats, with approximately 20 tropical storms affecting the island nation annually and causing significant damage through flooding and landslides, making robust infrastructure protection critical for public safety.
Multiple high-ranking political figures face allegations in the expanding investigation. Former Rep. Zaldy Co, who previously led the House appropriations committee, is considered a fugitive after relocating to Europe. An incumbent senator, a former senator, several retired government engineers and public works officials, and wealthy construction executives have been detained and are undergoing trial on corruption-related charges. Remulla indicated that additional cases, including money laundering charges, will be filed against Romualdez and others involved.
President Marcos characterized the alleged corruption as “horrible” and established an independent commission to investigate the matter. Presidential spokesperson Claire Castro conveyed Marcos’s earlier statement that he would not shield even family members from accountability in the investigation.
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