Former Speaker and Leyte 1st District Representative Martin Romualdez has categorically denied any involvement in alleged corruption tied to the 2025 national budget, rejecting accusations of plunder and money laundering under investigation by the Office of the Ombudsman.
In a video statement released Tuesday, Romualdez asserted that the allegations lack factual basis.
“There is no evidence that proves that he committed plunder, conspiracy to commit plunder, or any similar offense that the Ombudsman may be contemplating against me,” Romualdez stated.
Travel Restrictions and Legal Standing
The denial came after the Ombudsman petitioned the Sandiganbayan to issue a preventive hold departure order against Romualdez.
Current Speaker Faustino Dy III had granted him clearance for a medical trip to Singapore from April 20 to May 4, but Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla confirmed he denied the request due to the ongoing probe.
Romualdez announced he would authorize the public release of his affidavit and supporting documents.
“I am doing this so that the Filipino people can judge for themselves who has been transparent, and who is simply being politically targeted,” he added.
Deflecting the Mastermind Label
Romualdez questioned the logic of being branded the mastermind of the alleged scheme, stressing the limits of his former role.
“How can I be the mastermind? I was the former Speaker of the House of Representatives. But the House of Representatives is only part of one branch of government: the legislature.”
He distanced himself from the final stages of the budget process, pointing instead to Senator Chiz Escudero and former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co.
“With respect to how the budget was deliberated in Congress, let me say this categorically: I was not a part of the BiCam and the Small Committee budget deliberations. However, two people were instrumental in making those budget decisions: Chiz Escudero and Zaldy Co.”
Commitment to Scrutiny
Romualdez vowed to remain in the country and face the charges through proper legal channels.
“I will not keep quiet anymore. I will face this head-on, and I will speak with facts. I did not hide. I did not run. I did not evade scrutiny. I faced it head-on, within the proper channel, because I know there is no evidence that proves I committed plunder.”
As of press time, neither Escudero nor Zaldy Co has issued a response to Romualdez’s allegations.