SONA: Marcos Says Ombudsman Set to File Charges Against Cousin Martin Romualdez Over Flood Control Scandal

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. opened his penultimate State of the Nation Address (SONA) with one of the most dramatic declarations of his presidency, revealing that the Office of the Ombudsman is preparing to file multiple criminal cases against his first cousin, former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, over the alleged multibillion-peso flood control corruption scandal. Declaring that his duty to the Filipino people comes before family ties, Marcos insisted that the rule of law must prevail—signaling a major turning point in his administration’s anti-corruption campaign and underscoring its commitment to pursuing accountability even within the country’s most influential political dynasty.

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivered one of the most consequential and politically charged moments of his presidency during his penultimate State of the Nation Address (SONA), publicly revealing that the Office of the Ombudsman is preparing to file multiple criminal cases against his first cousin, former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, over the alleged multibillion-peso flood control corruption scandal. In a speech that underscored his administration’s commitment to accountability, Marcos declared that his constitutional duty to the Filipino people outweighs family ties, sending a powerful message that even members of the country’s most influential political dynasty are not beyond the reach of the law.

Standing before lawmakers, government officials, diplomats, and millions of Filipinos watching nationwide, Marcos announced that the Ombudsman’s investigation into the former Speaker had reached a decisive stage. He said prosecutors were nearing the filing of several cases against Romualdez, emphasizing that the legal process was driven by evidence rather than politics or personal relationships.

The President acknowledged the personal weight of the announcement, describing it as one of the most difficult moments of his leadership. He declared that although the situation was painful because it involved a member of his own family, he had chosen to fulfill his oath as President rather than protect political allies or relatives. Marcos stressed that he was elected to serve the nation, not his family or friends, asserting that his responsibility belongs solely to the Filipino people.

The statement represented the strongest public break yet between the President and one of his closest political allies. For years, Romualdez had been regarded as one of the administration’s most influential figures, serving as Speaker of the House and playing a central role in advancing the President’s legislative agenda. His close relationship with Marcos had long been viewed as a symbol of unity within one of the Philippines’ most prominent political families. The President’s decision to publicly acknowledge the impending legal action therefore marked a dramatic shift in both political and personal dynamics.

The announcement followed recent disclosures by the Office of the Ombudsman, which identified Romualdez as the alleged central figure in a scheme involving the diversion of billions of pesos originally allocated for flood control projects. According to investigators, funds intended to protect vulnerable communities from recurring floods were instead allegedly funneled into an extensive network of illicit financial transactions that enriched those involved.

Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano previously stated that investigators had gathered substantial evidence identifying the former Speaker as the principal figure behind the alleged scheme. Authorities said the investigation focused on the misuse of public funds designated for flood mitigation projects that were supposed to safeguard communities frequently devastated by severe weather and natural disasters.

The Ombudsman is reportedly preparing plunder and money laundering charges against Romualdez in connection with allegations that approximately ₱56 billion in illicit wealth was accumulated between 2022 and 2025. Investigators said the case is supported by sworn testimonies from eight individuals who previously worked as security personnel for former House Appropriations Committee Chair Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co. According to prosecutors, these witnesses provided firsthand accounts of alleged cash transfers and financial transactions that connected Co to Romualdez.

Authorities emphasized that the testimonies are supported by documentary and financial evidence, including records involving money exchange firms, banking transactions, shell corporations, and other financial instruments allegedly used to conceal the movement of funds. Investigators further alleged that the proceeds were used to acquire luxury homes, high-end condominiums, and investments across multiple industries through an intricate money laundering operation.

The Office of the Ombudsman also disclosed that it had received intelligence reports indicating that Romualdez allegedly attempted to leave the country despite a Precautionary Hold Departure Order reportedly issued by the Sandiganbayan. Investigators have not publicly disclosed additional details regarding those reports, but officials said all relevant information remains under evaluation as part of the ongoing proceedings.

The controversy stems from widespread criticism surrounding the 2025 General Appropriations Act, which several lawmakers, watchdog groups, and budget analysts described as one of the most controversial national budgets in recent years. Allegations centered on the insertion of massive allocations for flood control projects that critics claimed were vulnerable to manipulation and kickback schemes.

Navotas Representative Toby Tiangco had earlier alleged that contractors seeking government-funded projects were required to surrender a significant percentage of project values in exchange for budget allocations. Those accusations intensified scrutiny over the appropriations process and fueled broader investigations into the handling of infrastructure funding.

Romualdez responded to the President’s remarks by expressing respect for Marcos’ statement while firmly denying any wrongdoing. He said he neither sought nor expected special treatment because of their family relationship and maintained that he was prepared to face the legal process. The former Speaker reiterated his confidence that the evidence would ultimately prove his innocence and insisted that he had committed no violation of the law.

Romualdez resigned as Speaker in September 2025 after becoming embroiled in the budget controversy. Before stepping down, he repeatedly denied direct involvement in the detailed budget negotiations, arguing that decisions regarding specific appropriations were handled by other officials. He maintained that he had limited visibility over the technical aspects of the budget discussions that later became the subject of investigation.

Meanwhile, former appropriations chairperson Elizaldy Co, who is reportedly outside the Philippines, has publicly accused both Romualdez and President Marcos of orchestrating the alleged flood control kickback scheme. In a series of public statements, Co claimed that billions of pesos in alleged kickbacks were distributed among senior government officials. Both Marcos and Romualdez have categorically denied those allegations.

During his address, President Marcos emphasized that the government’s anti-corruption campaign has proceeded without fear or favor. He said investigators were instructed to follow the evidence wherever it led, regardless of the position, influence, or family connections of those involved. According to the President, authorities have already recovered, frozen, or preserved nearly ₱25 billion in assets linked to the investigation, while more than ₱800 million has been returned to the National Treasury.

The President also disclosed that the anti-corruption campaign has already resulted in the prosecution and detention of several individuals, including contractors, senior officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways, and members of Congress allegedly connected to the scheme. He said the responsibility for pursuing the remaining cases now rests with the Office of the Ombudsman, the National Prosecution Service, and ultimately the courts.

Senator Risa Hontiveros welcomed the President’s declaration, saying it reflected the kind of leadership expected from the nation’s highest office. She noted that accountability should apply equally to all public officials, regardless of political influence or family affiliation.

The President’s remarks are widely viewed as a defining moment in his administration and a significant turning point in Philippine politics. By publicly acknowledging the impending legal action against one of his closest relatives and most influential political allies, Marcos projected an image of institutional accountability over personal loyalty. Whether the cases ultimately proceed to trial and result in convictions will depend on the evidence presented before the courts, but the President’s declaration has already reshaped the political narrative surrounding his administration’s anti-corruption campaign.

As the Office of the Ombudsman prepares its next legal steps, the investigation is expected to remain under intense public and political scrutiny. The President’s assertion that he is neither the president of his family nor the president of his friends has become one of the defining messages of his SONA, signaling that his administration intends to portray the rule of law as prevailing over political alliances, even within the country’s most powerful political dynasty. / aptikons