A major development in the flood control corruption probe was confirmed Saturday by Ombudsman Boying Remulla, who said the Court of Appeals has issued a freeze order covering the assets of Leyte 1st District Rep. Martin Romualdez.
On Friday, the Anti-Money Laundering Council announced a freeze order against an unnamed “prominent incumbent legislator” tied to flood control projects. The AMLC said the order covers 25 bank accounts and 10 insurance policies.
On Saturday, Remulla identified the lawmaker on his radio program. “Si former speaker Martin Romualdez, … may freeze order na from Court of Appeals,” he said. “Doon (CA) talaga dinadala ang freeze orders ng AMLC. Diyan talaga pinakukuha ng court order.”
The freeze order, according to the AMLC, also extends to additional bank accounts, insurance policies, investment holdings, property accounts and real estate under an unnamed business associate and corporate entity.
Remulla added that more cases are set to be filed at the Office of the Ombudsman within two weeks. Romualdez is facing complaints for plunder, graft, money laundering, and direct and indirect bribery over his alleged role in flood control projects.
The Sandiganbayan’s 7th Division earlier barred the lawmaker from leaving the country, issuing a travel ban after he attempted to fly to Singapore for a medical checkup.
Romualdez’s lawyers have asked the Ombudsman to inhibit from the case, alleging a “pattern of prejudgment” against the former House speaker.
