Martin Romualdez now faces a sweeping attempt by Ombudsman investigators to bring him to trial over the widely reported ₱56-billion corruption operation involving public funds, cash deliveries and corporate transactions. A special panel filed a 104-page supplemental complaint seeking plunder, graft, bribery and money laundering charges against the former House speaker, Zaldy Co and several others.
The filing expands an April complaint with new documents and witness accounts. Investigators accused the group of amassing about ₱56 billion from 2022 to 2025 through “interrelated transactions involving the diversion and misuse of public funds and the receipt of undue pecuniary benefits in connection with government dealings.”
The panel asked the Office of the Ombudsman to indict Romualdez, Co, aide Jocelyn Sereño and unidentified respondents for plunder under Republic Act 7080. Plunder may carry detention without bail when a court finds the evidence of guilt strong. Romualdez also faces requested charges for direct and indirect bribery and violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
Investigators sought money laundering charges against Romualdez and lawyer Jose Raulito Paras for allegedly moving, concealing or disguising the suspected proceeds. Other respondents, including corporate officers, a law firm and foreign-exchange company directors, were accused of helping facilitate the alleged money trail.
The case places Romualdez’s leadership of the House under sharper scrutiny. He led the chamber while Congress approved billions for flood-control projects now under investigation. Funds diverted from flood protection can leave communities exposed while taxpayers absorb the damage. His spokesperson Elaine Atienza said he is ready to answer any complaint and remains confident that the evidence will support his position.
Pressure also intensified around Co after the Bureau of Internal Revenue filed a separate tax evasion complaint against Sunwest Inc. and its top officers over an alleged ₱22.71-billion deficiency. The BIR accused the company of underdeclaring income and claiming unsupported purchases, expenses and tax credits from 2019 to 2024.
The House has dropped its own flood-control investigation after Bicol SARO Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon cited conflicts involving lawmakers linked to the controversy. The decision leaves the Ombudsman and other enforcement agencies to pursue a case reaching into Congress, public spending and the political network surrounding Romualdez.
