Full Breakdown
Former House Speaker Martin Romualdez Arrested Over P7.44 Billion Flood-Control Plunder Case
9/8/2026, 10:05:52 PM
Core Event
On September 7, the Sandiganbayan Third Division issued arrest warrants and hold-departure orders for former House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co, and two additional accused. Police served the warrants at the Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan City, where Romualdez was being treated for a cardiovascular event, unstable blood pressure and an anxiety attack. He was read his rights and is now considered a “person deprived of liberty.”
Background & Context
The allegations stem from the Philippines’ flood-control program launched in 2022. Contractors Curlee and Sarah Discaya named several lawmakers during a Senate Blue-Ribbon hearing in 2025, prompting a presidential pledge in his July 27 State of the Nation Address to pursue the scandal. The Ombudsman concluded that Romualdez, as speaker, exercised “institutional influence” over budget approvals and allegedly received kickbacks from contractors tied to projects funded under the General Appropriations Acts for fiscal years 2022-2025.
Data & Statistics
- The Ombudsman alleges Romualdez and co-accused received at least PHP7.44 billion (? $118 million) in commissions, shares, kickbacks and other benefits on no fewer than fifteen occasions.
- Roughly 10,000 flood-control projects valued at PHP545 billion (? $9 billion) have been scrutinized, many found substandard, overpriced or unbuilt.
- Prosecutors say about PHP5 billion of the alleged proceeds were funneled through shell corporations such as Golden Pheasant Holdings Corp., Braavos Holdings OPC and Valiant Consolidated Resources Inc.
Official Statements & Responses
- Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said authorities will check Romualdez’s health daily and will transfer him to the New Quezon City Jail once medically cleared.
- Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla noted the case was filed only after “reasonable certainty of conviction,” citing testimonies from former DPWH officials Roberto Bernardo and Henry Alcantara.
- Palace press officer Claire Castro affirmed the administration respects the Ombudsman’s action and will let the evidence be presented before the court.
On-the-Ground Reports
Police and hospital staff confirmed armed guards were posted outside Romualdez’s room and in the lobby. During booking, the former lawmaker was fitted with an orange detainee shirt placed over his clothing.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- The PNP-CIDG initially reported that no arrest warrant had been issued, then later confirmed service of the warrant after the Sandiganbayan’s order.
- Several alleged cash-delivery witnesses have recanted, creating uncertainty about parts of the prosecution’s narrative. The Ombudsman maintains that 28 witnesses still possess material information.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We recognize the public interest surrounding this case. But ultimately, criminal liability must be determined by the evidence presented in court, under the rules and safeguards of our justice system,” — Ade Fajardo, lawyer and spokesperson
- “We assure you he cannot hide behind his wealth. No matter how wealthy he is, he cannot pay the law for him to be allowed to sleep here in a nice place,” — Jonvic Remulla
- “After we read him his rights, he is now considered a person deprived of liberty,” — Jonvic Remulla
What’s Next
The Sandiganbayan will hold hearings on the plunder case; Romualdez has filed a motion to remain in hospital confinement pending medical clearance. The Ombudsman indicated that additional cases—including money-laundering and a conspiracy-to-fraud charge—are being prepared. The hold-departure order remains in effect, barring Romualdez from leaving the Philippines.
