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Philippine authorities have filed corruption charges against former House Speaker Martin Romualdez over allegations that he received millions of dollars in kickbacks from government flood control projects, as a widening investigation targets billions of dollars in public infrastructure spending.
The Office of the Ombudsman filed a case before the anti-graft court Sandiganbayan, accusing Romualdez and several other individuals of misusing public funds linked to flood mitigation projects designed to protect communities from typhoons and severe flooding.
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said the investigation involves transactions worth around 7.4 billion Philippine pesos ($118 million), allegedly transferred through various financial arrangements.
Authorities said additional charges, including possible plunder and money laundering cases, could be filed as investigators continue examining the flow of funds.
Romualdez, a cousin and former political ally of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., has denied the allegations and rejected accusations of involvement in corruption.
Thousands of flood projects examined in wider probe
The case is part of a broader government investigation into nearly 10,000 flood control projects launched since Marcos took office in 2022.
The projects, with a combined value exceeding 545 billion pesos ($9 billion), are being reviewed over allegations that some were overpriced, built below required standards or never completed.
The Philippines, which faces around 20 typhoons each year, has invested heavily in flood prevention projects as extreme weather events frequently trigger deadly floods and landslides across the country.
Former officials and contractors also targeted
Romualdez is among several senior figures facing scrutiny in the expanding investigation. Former House Appropriations Committee chairman Zaldy Co has also been accused of receiving large sums linked to flood control projects. Co, who has reportedly left the country, is considered a fugitive by authorities.
Several other officials, including lawmakers, former senators, government engineers and executives from construction companies, have also been investigated over alleged irregularities.
Investigators trace alleged corruption proceeds
Remulla said investigators had identified efforts to conceal alleged corruption proceeds, including the purchase of multiple properties and a claimed $1 million donation to Harvard University.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has described the scandal as "horrifying" and created an independent commission to investigate the allegations.
Presidential spokesperson Claire Castro said Marcos had previously pledged that no one, including members of his own family, would be protected if found responsible.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are expected to file additional cases as more evidence is collected.(ILKHA)
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