APRIL 22, 2026 — The Sandiganbayan has formally taken up the Ombudsman’s request for a precautionary hold departure order (PHDO) against former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, accused of masterminding a ₱56‑billion flood control kickback scheme. The case, now with the court’s Seventh Division, pits Romualdez’s insistence on due process against mounting allegations of plunder, bribery, and money laundering.

The Office of the Ombudsman filed its PHDO application on April 21, 2026, citing Romualdez’s access to a diplomatic passport, international connections, and financial means as reasons he poses a flight risk. The complaint affidavit, dated April 20, alleged that Romualdez orchestrated a massive kickback scheme tied to flood control projects, with testimonies from former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co, ex‑Marine members, and aide Orly Guteza pointing to suitcase deliveries of cash.

Assistant Ombudsman Nellie Golez told the court that a preliminary finding of probable cause justified the PHDO. Deputy Special Prosecutor Omar Sagadal explained Romualdez was prioritized because of reports he intended to travel to Singapore for a medical check‑up. The court asked why only Romualdez was covered, not alleged associates like Joselito Paras, said to own a Forbes Park “drop‑off” house for kickbacks.

Here lies the clash: the House of Representatives granted Romualdez travel clearance for April 20 to May 4, while Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla rejected his request, saying, “Hindi kami pumapayag. Sinasabi ko [siya ay] under investigation.” 

(We do not allow it. I said he is under investigation.)

Remulla has also asked the Anti‑Money Laundering Council (AMLC) to freeze Romualdez’s assets, stressing, “He’s being investigated for money laundering. That’s why we’re seeking a freeze order, so we can secure assets that rightfully belong to the nation.”

Romualdez, however, fired back: “I will not allow myself to become a scapegoat so that others who are actually accountable can walk away clean.” 

His lawyer Ade Fajardo insisted that an immigration lookout bulletin order “does not prohibit travel but simply requires prior coordination with authorities.”

Senators are now pressing Romualdez to speak up. Panfilo Lacson lamented that Romualdez skipped two Blue Ribbon hearings, missing the chance to defend himself under oath. 

Lacson noted, “The Blue Ribbon Committee gave the former Speaker at least two chances … to testify under oath and public scrutiny.”

JV Ejercito was more blunt: “Sabihin na lang siguro kung ano yung nalalaman talaga.” 

(He should just say what he really knows.) 

Ejercito believes Romualdez, Zaldy Co, and the 18 ex‑soldiers who claimed to deliver cash should face off before the Senate.

This saga is more than a courtroom drama. It’s about trust in institutions. How can citizens believe in accountability when a powerful lawmaker under investigation is allowed travel clearance by one branch of government, while another scrambles to block him? The alleged ₱56‑billion flood control mess isn’t just numbers — it’s public money that could have built roads, schools, or hospitals.

Romualdez insists on innocence, yet testimonies pile up. The Ombudsman warns of flight risk, yet the House grants him freedom to leave. Senators demand answers, yet Romualdez remains silent in hearings.

Are our institutions strong enough to hold the powerful to account, or do privilege and influence still dictate the rules of the game?

(Image: Martin Romualdez | Facebook)