APRIL 7, 2026 — The Ombudsman is gearing up to file plunder charges against former Speaker Martin Romualdez and former Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero this May, tied to the controversial flood control projects and alleged budget irregularities. This move could shake the political establishment, with implications reaching back to past congressional terms and potentially ensnaring other lawmakers.

The Office of the Ombudsman, led by Jesus Crispin Remulla, has confirmed that plunder complaints are being finalized against Romualdez and Escudero, with filing expected in May. The charges stem from alleged anomalies in the crafting and implementation of the 2024 and 2025 national budgets, particularly flood control projects that witnesses in Senate hearings described as riddled with corruption. 

Remulla said, “If you think about it, there was a conspiracy to commit plunder. I think we can put everything together. It doesn’t take a genius to do it.”

Dismissed officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) previously tagged both Romualdez and Escudero as recipients of multi-billion peso kickbacks from anomalous flood mitigation projects. While the Ombudsman has yet to file the case, the narrative is already explosive: billions allegedly siphoned off from projects meant to protect communities from flooding.

The defense: denial and due process

Romualdez’s camp, through lawyer Ade Fajardo, insists there is no evidence linking him to ghost or substandard projects. 

Fajardo emphasized respect for due process, saying, “We trust that the Ombudsman will fully adhere to the circular that he instituted and signed as then secretary of the Department of Justice, that DOJ prosecutors should only pursue cases with reasonable certainty of conviction.” 

He added, “We remain confident that these matters will be resolved based on evidence and due process – not politics or speculation.”

Escudero, meanwhile, has not issued fresh statements but has consistently denied involvement in irregularities tied to flood control projects. 

Both men, seasoned politicians with deep networks, are expected to mount strong defenses.

Beyond two names: a systemic rot?

The Ombudsman’s probe doesn’t stop at Romualdez and Escudero. Remulla hinted that other lawmakers and officials from the Department of Budget and Management could be implicated, suggesting a broader conspiracy. The investigation may even extend back to the term of former House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco (2020–2022).

This whole hullabaloo is about how the government has handled billions in public funds. The flood control controversy, already exposed in Senate Blue Ribbon hearings, paints a picture of systemic rot where infrastructure projects become cash cows for the powerful.

Every time Metro Manila floods, every time provinces drown, the public will remember certain names. The Ombudsman’s move signals a rare moment of accountability — but whether it leads to convictions or collapses under political weight remains to be seen.

Do you think this plunder case will finally prove that in the Philippines, no politician is too powerful to be held accountable?

(Image: Philippine News Agency)