A Department of Public Works and Highways referral filed in November 2025 is drawing renewed attention as new developments in the flood control controversy emerge, with the case tracing back to actions initiated under Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon.
The renewed focus follows a move by the Office of the Ombudsman to freeze the assets of former House Speaker Martin Romualdez 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.
The development traces back to a November 21, 2025 referral submitted by the DPWH to the Ombudsman during Dizon’s tenure, recommending an investigation into Romualdez, former Ako Bicol Representative 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 identified Romualdez and Co as holding key leadership positions in the House of Representatives following the 2022 elections. It recommended 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. Separate 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.
The pressure on the case has been building since last year, with DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon pushing for this and surfacing the issue in a year end report. On November 21, the DPWH, alongside the Independent Commission for Infrastructure, issued a recommendation to file complaints including plunder, graft, and direct bribery over alleged flood control irregularities. Romualdez’s camp pushed back, with his lawyer Atty. Ade Fajardo saying the recommendation “does not constitute a finding or determination of guilt” and carries no conclusion of liability.
Romualdez has denied involvement in the controversy. Remulla earlier said the Bureau of Immigration did not act favorably on a request for Romualdez to travel to Singapore on April 21 for a medical checkup due to a lookout order.
