Ombudsman Boying Remulla has delivered on his pursuit of the flood‑control scandal’s “biggest fish”—disgraced former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, now facing a ₱7.4‑billion plunder charge that Remulla said is only the first of many.
After the Ombudsman filed the charge at Sandiganbayan on Monday, Remulla held a press conference. Asked if Romualdez was indeed the biggest “big fish” being hunted, Remulla gave a categorical answer: “Siya talaga.”
But Remulla stressed the ₱7.4‑billion case is only part of a much larger probe involving more than ₱50 billion, warning Romualdez could still face additional charges. “Di pa naman ito ang huling kaso. Sunod‑sunod pa ito at marami pa kami ipa‑file.”
He added that the Ombudsman is preparing further plunder and money‑laundering cases as investigators continue examining transactions and testimony. “It’s a series of cases. Hindi lang ho ito [plunder]. Marami pa hong kaso ang ihahain dito, bukod po sa plunder. May iba pang plunder cases. Marami rito, money laundering cases.”
Investigators have already found grounds for more complaints through witness accounts, including those refusing to cooperate who may be presented as hostile witnesses.
The filing came on the heels of President Bongbong Marcos’ July State of the Nation Address, where he revealed the Ombudsman was preparing criminal charges against his cousin, Martin Romualdez. Marcos acknowledged their family ties but underscored that government must do what is right and pursue accountability regardless of bloodline.
It’s a victory for the Filipino people, long left to endure nature’s wrath while flood-control projects meant to protect them were nonexistent or substandard—failures that left 9.4 million affected and claimed 39 lives in the latest heavy rains.
Now all eyes are locked on the Sandiganbayan. The burning question: will they stand firm—or cave to Romualdez’s corruption the way witnesses did—after Boying delivers a rock-solid case? The country will be watching closely. Every Filipino knows the crimes Romualdez committed, and the people will erupt in fury if justice is denied.
