Philippines Ex-Speaker Charged in $118M Flood Control Graft Case

Philippine authorities have formally charged a senior lawmaker and former House Speaker, Martin Romualdez, with plunder for his alleged role in siphoning millions of dollars from flood control projects. The charges, filed at the anti-graft court Sandiganbayan, are part of a widening investigation into public infrastructure meant to protect communities from frequent typhoons.

The Office of the Ombudsman alleges that Romualdez, a cousin of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and several co-accused were involved in the misappropriation of 7.4 billion pesos (approximately $118 million). Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla stated that the sum was distributed across numerous transactions, with the funds allegedly used for personal gain.

The case is part of a broader probe into nearly 10,000 flood control projects valued at over 545 billion pesos ($9 billion) initiated since Marcos took office in mid-2022. Investigators have found many of these projects to be substandard, overpriced, or never constructed.

Among those charged alongside Romualdez is former Representative Zaldy Co, a previous head of the House appropriations committee, who is now considered a fugitive after reportedly fleeing to Europe. The investigation has also led to the detention of an incumbent senator, a former senator, and several former government engineers and public works officials, as well as construction executives.

Remulla indicated that the accused attempted to conceal the stolen funds by purchasing multiple properties and even donating $1 million to Harvard University. He described the current charges as "just the start," with additional plunder and money laundering cases expected to be filed.

President Marcos has called the alleged scale of corruption "horrible" and has established an independent commission to investigate. His spokesperson, Claire Castro, reiterated the President's stance that he would not spare even relatives in the pursuit of accountability. Romualdez has previously denied any wrongdoing.