Philippines – A special panel from the Office of the Ombudsman has filed a 104-page supplemental complaint against former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co, and lawyer Jose Raulito Paras. The three face charges tied to an alleged P56-billion flood control kickback scheme that reportedly ran from 2022 to 2025.
According to a news report, the complaint accuses the respondents of amassing ill-gotten wealth using public funds meant for flood protection projects. For Filipinos working overseas — many of whom send hard-earned money home while their communities still flood every rainy season — the case hits close to home.
Who’s Being Charged and Why
Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano earlier named Romualdez as the “Central Figure” in the alleged scheme. The complaint ties him, Co, and Paras to a string of serious offenses:
- Plunder
- Graft, under Sections 3(a) and 3(b) of Republic Act No. 3019, the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act
- Direct bribery
- Indirect bribery (against Romualdez)
- Money laundering (against Romualdez and Paras)
Investigators built their case on sworn statements from eight former security aides of Co. These aides described alleged cash deliveries and helped trace a financial trail.
The Money Trail
The complaint outlines how the alleged funds moved through several channels. Investigators point to:
- Money changers used to convert and move cash
- Bank transfers linked to the respondents
- Shell companies tied to individuals connected with Romualdez
These details form the backbone of the plunder and money laundering allegations, painting a picture of coordinated effort to hide the paper trail.
What Happens Next
The case now moves into its next stage. The respondents will receive subpoenas and get the chance to file counter-affidavits to answer the accusations. After reviewing both sides, Ombudsman prosecutors will decide whether there is enough evidence to file criminal charges before the Sandiganbayan, the country’s anti-graft court.
Timing Adds Pressure
The filing landed as flooding again battered parts of the Philippines, a grim reminder of what the missing funds were supposed to prevent. It also comes just days before President Bongbong Marcos delivers his fifth State of the Nation Address on July 27. He is expected to announce fresh measures against corruption, with a focus on flood control and infrastructure spending.