A prominent Philippine lawmaker and former Speaker of the House of Representatives was arrested on Monday for allegedly pocketing millions of dollars in kickbacks from flood control projects, many of which were never built despite the country's vulnerability to devastating seasonal storms.
Representative Martin Romualdez, a cousin and former political ally of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., is facing plunder charges at the Sandiganbayan, the nation's anti-graft court, alongside three other individuals. Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla, whose office filed the charges, announced during a news conference that the corruption case involves 7.4 billion pesos ($118 million) distributed across various transactions where the funds were diverted.
The arrest occurs amid intense scrutiny of nearly 10,000 flood control projects valued at over 545 billion pesos ($9 billion) that were scheduled for construction since President Marcos took office in mid-2022. Investigators have found many of these projects to be substandard, overpriced, or entirely unconstructed. The lack of infrastructure is particularly critical in the Philippines, which is struck by approximately 20 powerful typhoons annually, leading to widespread casualties and damage from floods and landslides.
Romualdez, who has previously denied any wrongdoing, was hospitalized shortly after his arrest. Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, who accompanied the national police chief to serve the warrant, reported that the lawmaker was admitted to a Manila hospital on Monday afternoon due to unstable blood pressure and an anxiety attack. He will be transferred to a jail facility as soon as medical professionals declare him fit for release.
The Interior Secretary emphasized that Romualdez's financial status would not grant him special privileges while in custody. “We assure you he cannot hide behind his wealth. No matter how wealthy he is, he cannot pay the law for him to be allowed to sleep here in a nice place,” Remulla stated.
Several other powerful figures are implicated in the corruption scandal. Among them is former Representative Zaldy Co, the former head of the House appropriations committee, who is currently considered a fugitive after fleeing to Europe. Additionally, an incumbent senator, a former senator, several former government engineers, public works officials, and wealthy construction executives are already detained and undergoing trial on corruption charges.
Ombudsman Remulla revealed that the accused attempted to conceal the stolen funds through real estate purchases and a $1 million donation to Harvard University. Warning of further legal actions, the Ombudsman remarked, “This is just the start,” noting that additional plunder and money laundering charges are being prepared against Romualdez and other suspects.
President Marcos has condemned the scale of the alleged corruption as “horrible” and established an independent commission to investigate the matter. Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro noted on Monday that Marcos had previously affirmed his commitment to accountability, stating he would not spare even his own relatives.
