Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon’s November 2025 referral to the Office of the Ombudsman to investigate former House Speaker Martin Romualdez over alleged widespread corruption, plunder, and bribery has gained fresh momentum, with a sought asset freeze bringing the case into the spotlight anew.
That momentum follows the Ombudsman’s move to seek the freezing of Romualdez’s assets in connection with a money laundering case under review by the Anti-Money Laundering Council. Ombudsman Boying Remulla said Tuesday, April 21, that his office has already endorsed a freeze-order request before the AMLC. “We’re waiting for the Romualdez cases to start rolling, and the first case would be about money laundering,” he said. A freeze order, once granted, can restrict access to bank accounts, insurance policies and other covered assets.
Dizon’s referral traces back to a Nov. 21, 2025, filing submitted by the Department of Public Works and Highways to the Ombudsman during his tenure, recommending an investigation into Romualdez, former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co and other individuals over alleged irregularities in flood control contracts. The filing outlined the department’s mandate over flood control planning, project implementation and contract awarding before invoking the Ombudsman’s authority to investigate alleged unlawful or improper acts by public officials.
The referral was based on Romualdez and Co holding key leadership positions in the House of Representatives following the 2022 elections. It recommended an investigation into possible violations including plunder, breaches of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and direct bribery.
At the time, Dizon said the recommendation was supported by documentary records and sworn testimony gathered during legislative hearings, stating that the case was “based on evidence, not hearsay.” Reports indicated that the probe covered flood control projects involving large government contracts over several years.
Authorities are examining flood control projects as part of the broader investigation. Recent developments show that the Court of Appeals has issued a freeze order covering an unnamed “prominent incumbent legislator” linked to flood control projects. According to the AMLC, the order covers 25 bank accounts and 10 insurance policies.
