SOLANO, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. announced that former Speaker Martin Romualdez and former Ako Bicol party-list Representative Zaldy Co may soon face criminal charges—including plunder, graft, and indirect bribery—as the widening flood-control corruption scandal continues to send shockwaves across the political landscape.

In a video message posted on Facebook, Marcos confirmed that the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) have completed their fact-finding and will now turn over all gathered evidence to the Office of the Ombudsman.

“Nais kong ipaalam sa ating mga kababayan na ang ICI at tsaka ang DPWH ay lahat ng nakuha nila na impormasyon ay i-rerefer, ibibigay na sa Ombudsman para imbestigahan ng Ombudsman. Ito ay tungkol sa mga impormasyon ng dating Speaker Martin Romualdez at tsaka ni Zaldy Co,” Marcos said.

He emphasized that the decision on whether to file charges now rests on the country’s anti-graft body:

“Kapag nakita ang lahat ng ebidensya, baka mag-file ng kasong plunder, o anti-graft, o indirect bribery… Malakas naman ang loob natin na ang Ombudsman ay sumusunod lamang sa ebidensya. At kung saan tayo dinadala ng ebidensya, doon pupunta ang ating imbestigasyon.”

ICI Findings Move to Ombudsman: A Crucial Phase in the Flood-Control Probe

According to the President, both ICI and DPWH compiled documents, testimonies, and records purportedly linking Romualdez and Co to irregularities in flood-control projects—including inflated contracts and questionable fund releases. By turning these over to the Ombudsman, the case enters a new, more serious stage where prosecution becomes a real possibility.

Marcos reiterated his confidence in the Ombudsman’s impartiality, stressing that its investigation “will follow where the evidence leads,” a line he repeated more than once in his message.

This development comes amid growing public frustration over corruption in national infrastructure programs, prompting rallies and calls for transparency across the country.

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Romualdez and Co Deny Wrongdoing as Scandal Escalates

Romualdez, Marcos’ cousin and former House Speaker, continues to deny involvement, maintaining that his “conscience remains clear.” His name surfaced after contractor couple Curlee and Sarah Discaya alleged during Senate hearings that certain lawmakers demanded commissions from flood-control projects.

Meanwhile, Zaldy Co ignited political turmoil last week when he accused Marcos and Romualdez of being behind the alleged P100-billion “insertions” in the 2025 national budget. The President was quick to dismiss Co’s statements, saying, “I don’t want to even dignify what he was saying.”

Co himself faces separate complaints related to an allegedly anomalous ₱289-million flood-control project in Oriental Mindoro.

Ombudsman Remulla: Charges vs. Romualdez May Come in 6 to 9 Months

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla confirmed that his office expects to file charges against Romualdez within six to nine months, depending on the completeness and strength of the materials submitted by ICI and DPWH.

He assured the public that he will only file cases that meet strict evidentiary standards.

“I do not want to find a lousy case. I will never find a lousy case,” Remulla said, underscoring his office’s commitment to due process.

Earlier, Remulla noted that Romualdez may also be liable for gross negligence during his term as Speaker based on the findings related to Co’s involvement in the Mindoro project.

National Outrage Grows as Budget Insertions Come Under Scrutiny

The corruption controversy has fueled national anxiety over how public funds are handled, especially in flood-control projects critical to disaster-prone provinces. Allegations that P100 billion in budget insertions were crafted behind closed doors added pressure on lawmakers, while public trust in governmental oversight continues to erode.

Various political blocs, including the Makabayan group, have called on Congress to open a formal inquiry into the alleged insertions and Co’s claims against the President and other officials.

Palace: Investigation Will Proceed, Politics Aside

Despite the political sensitivities—given the high-ranking individuals involved—Marcos insisted the ongoing probe will continue based on evidence, not personalities. The Palace maintains that forwarding the findings to the Ombudsman is part of ensuring institutional transparency.

However, the move places the administration in a complicated position, testing both internal alliances and the President’s ability to navigate political fallout.

What Comes Next: Legal Battles and Political Turbulence Ahead

As the Ombudsman begins its evaluation, the coming months are expected to bring major developments that could shape the political climate leading into 2026.

One certainty stands out: the flood-control scandal is now one of the most defining political crises of the Marcos administration. With evidence in the Ombudsman’s hands and public scrutiny at an all-time high, the next chapter promises months—if not years—of legal and political repercussions.

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