Former House Speaker and Leyte 1st District Representative Martin Romualdez was absent from the House plenary hall on Monday as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. addressed the flood control corruption scandal during his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA).
In his penultimate SONA, President Marcos revealed that the Office of the Ombudsman is moving forward with charges against his cousin.
“Masakit man sa akin ito, ngunit kailangan natin gawin ang tama. 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 kapwang Pilipino,” the President stated.
A special fact-finding panel under the Ombudsman has recommended a preliminary investigation into Romualdez, former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co, and their associates. They face potential charges of plunder, bribery, graft, and money laundering related to the alleged misappropriation of flood control funds.
Romualdez has denied any wrongdoing, previously claiming that the Ombudsman had prejudged the accusations against him.
The allegations surrounding budget insertions and questionable flood control projects had previously led to Romualdez resigning from the speakership on September 17, 2025.
Following his resignation, the House elected Isabela 6th District Representative Faustino “Bojie” Dy III as the new House leader.