The Office of the Ombudsman is preparing to file plunder charges against former House Speaker Martin Romualdez and former Senate President Chiz Escudero in connection with allegedly anomalous flood control projects.
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla confirmed on Monday, April 6, that the case is already being finalized and is expected to be filed by May.
In a statement, Remulla stressed that the charges stem from alleged irregularities tied to flood control initiatives, which are now under investigation for possible large-scale corruption.
“We have been zealously preparing a case of plunder case against former Speaker Martin Romualdez and former SP Chiz Escudero. There’s conspiracy involves,” Remulla said.
He added,
“This [case] is flood control related in so many ways.”
The Ombudsman noted that the case involves allegations of conspiracy, with multiple officials reportedly linked to the implementation and funding of the projects.
Romualdez had previously been implicated, along with former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co, in alleged budget insertions supposedly intended to secure kickbacks from flood control project funds.
Former Public Works Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo also earlier identified Escudero and several other senators as among those who allegedly received kickbacks tied to the projects.
Among current and former lawmakers, only former Senator Bong Revilla has so far been arrested in connection with the controversial flood control projects.
Authorities have yet to release further details as the case buildup continues.