Philippines – President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. put his own cousin at the heart of his government’s flood-control corruption crackdown, telling the nation that former House Speaker Martin Romualdez now faces multiple cases from the Office of the Ombudsman.
According to Marcos’s fifth State of the Nation Address, delivered at the Batasang Pambansa on Monday, July 27, the president said investigators are moving closer to filing charges against his relative. He admitted the situation was painful, but insisted the government must do what is right.
Ombudsman Closing In on Former Speaker
Marcos told lawmakers and the public that the probe has already reached the courts and jail cells. Contractors, senior officials, and members of Congress have been charged, he said, and Romualdez may be next.
“Meron nang mga unang nakasuhan at nakulong, mga kontratista, matataas na opisyal, pati na mga mambabatas. At dumating na tayo sa punto na, ayon sa Ombudsman, ay malapit na ang paghahain ng patong-patong na kaso laban sa dating Speaker. Masakit man sa akin ito, ngunit kailangan natin gawin ang tama,” the president said.
Romualdez served as House Speaker before scrutiny over irregularities in flood-control projects and government spending caught up with him.
The ₱56-Billion Plunder Scheme
Investigators want to formally charge several personalities over a massive corruption case tied to flood-control funds. Those under the microscope include:
- Former House Speaker Martin Romualdez
- Former congressman Zaldy Co
- Several other officials linked to the projects
The alleged scheme is worth ₱56 billion. Authorities are also working to freeze billions of pesos in suspected illicit assets before they can be moved or hidden.
“I Am Not President of My Family”
Marcos drew a clear line during his speech, signaling that no one — not even blood relatives — would be spared. He reminded Filipinos where his loyalty lies.
“Hindi ako pangulo ng aking pamilya. Hindi ako pangulo ng aking kaibigan. Ako ay pangulo ng Pilipinas, at ang tungkulin ko ay sa inyo, ang aking mga kapwa Pilipino,” he said.
The message echoed last year’s SONA, when he told corrupt officials to “have some shame.”
Recovered Funds Going Back to the People
The president also promised that money and assets clawed back from corrupt hands would go straight back to public coffers.
“Lahat ng mababawi mula sa mga sangkot na tiwali ay agad ibabalik sa kaban ng bayan,” Marcos said, adding that the country’s justice system is doing its job.
For Filipinos abroad watching closely, the pledge is a reminder that public funds — and accountability — remain at the center of the conversation back home.