MANILA — The Office of the Ombudsman is preparing to file a fresh wave of criminal complaints against Leyte congressman and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez over the alleged flood control fund anomaly, signaling an intensified legal offensive as multiple cases are set to be lodged within the next two weeks.
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla disclosed that around five to six additional cases are being finalized, all anchored on evidence gathered by the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) as part of the ongoing investigation.
“That’s on only one case. But we have around five to six cases lined up. It will be filed consecutively within the next two weeks,” Remulla said in a radio program.
Remulla also confirmed that Romualdez is among those covered by a Court of Appeals-issued freeze order involving 25 bank accounts and 10 insurance policies allegedly linked to the lawmaker.
According to the ombudsman, the cases currently under preliminary investigation stem from the same body of financial evidence, indicating a broader scope of alleged irregularities tied to flood control funds.
Despite mounting calls for him to step aside, Remulla rejected suggestions that he should inhibit from handling the case.
He said his role requires him “to side with the victims… to prevent corruption and abuse of power and punish offenders” in line with his constitutional mandate.
Romualdez had earlier sought Remulla’s inhibition, alleging that the ombudsman had already prejudged him.
Remulla added that his office is also preparing plunder charges related to the controversy, which may implicate Romualdez and former Senate President Francis Escudero. The cases, possibly involving conspiracy, are being targeted for filing in May.
In a separate development, the Ombudsman has secured a precautionary hold departure order against Romualdez, which has already been granted by the Sandiganbayan.
The investigation centers on alleged irregularities in flood control funding, with authorities continuing to build cases based on financial records and related documents./PN
