Former House Speaker Martin Romualdez was arrested on Monday, September 7, 2026.
The arrest came hours after the Office of the Ombudsman filed a plunder case against Romualdez and several other individuals over alleged kickbacks connected to flood-control projects worth billions of pesos.
According to authorities, Romualdez was served the arrest warrant while he was at Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan. Reports said he had been brought to the hospital after experiencing a cardiovascular-related medical issue.
The case centers on allegations that billions of pesos connected to flood-control projects were misappropriated through kickbacks and other irregular transactions.
The Ombudsman filed the case before the Sandiganbayan against Romualdez, former Ako Bicol representative Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co and other respondents.
The alleged amount involved in the plunder case was reported at approximately ₱7.44 billion.
The broader flood-control controversy has placed numerous government projects under scrutiny, particularly projects that authorities allege were overpriced, substandard or never completed.
Romualdez has previously rejected accusations linking him to alleged corruption in the flood-control projects. His camp has maintained that the allegations against him are unfounded.
The arrest and filing of charges, however, mark a significant development in the government’s investigation into the massive infrastructure controversy.
It is important to note that an arrest and criminal charge do not constitute a final finding of guilt. Romualdez remains entitled to due process and the presumption of innocence while the case proceeds before the courts.
Following the arrest, Romualdez will face the legal proceedings before the Sandiganbayan. Authorities have also indicated that the investigation into the flood-control controversy is continuing and that additional individuals could face charges.
