MANILA, Philippines, Feb. 9, 2026 — Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson confirmed that former House Speaker Martin Romualdez is among those recommended to face criminal charges in the draft report of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee’s investigation into alleged flood control fund anomalies. 

Lacson made the clarification in a radio interview, dispelling speculation that Romualdez had been spared from liability. “Recommended siya doon. Mali ’yung nagsasabi na hindi namin siya ni-recommend,” Lacson said, emphasizing that Romualdez’s name appears in the committee’s findings.

According to Lacson, Romualdez falls under the committee’s “second category” of individuals. This classification covers those whose names were mentioned during hearings but for whom no direct evidence exists showing they personally received money from the alleged corruption scheme. 

Lacson explained that while Romualdez’s involvement may not have been highlighted in initial reports, his inclusion was based on sworn testimonies presented during the Senate probe.

The draft report also recommended charges against several incumbent senators, including Jinggoy Estrada, Joel Villanueva, and Chiz Escudero, as well as numerous officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways.

Lacson stressed that while the version of the report may undergo revisions, “the substance will not change,” underscoring that the committee intends to pursue accountability and propose legislative measures to prevent similar anomalies in the future.

The flood control controversy has drawn national attention, with hearings exposing alleged irregularities in billions of pesos worth of infrastructure projects. Witnesses testified about ghost projects, overpriced contracts, and systemic corruption within agencies tasked with flood mitigation. 

The Blue Ribbon Committee’s draft report, though still unofficial, signals a sweeping push for accountability that could implicate high-ranking political figures and government officials alike.