Martin Romualdez charged in Philippines flood scandal

Philippine prosecutors filed a plunder charge Monday against Martin Romualdez, a congressman and cousin of President Ferdinand Marcos, over his alleged role in a corruption scandal involving flood control projects.

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said the case against Romualdez involved 7.4 billion pesos, or $117.9 million, in alleged bribes, anomalous budget insertions and project allocations. Romualdez has repeatedly denied wrongdoing.

Romualdez's lawyer, Ade Fajardo, said his client would face the allegations in court. Fajardo said Romualdez asked for the due process and fair hearing guaranteed to every Filipino.

Plunder is a non-bailable offence in the Philippines and refers to large-scale corruption punishable by life imprisonment.

Remulla said prosecutors intended to file additional cases against Romualdez and others implicated in the flood control scandal. He told reporters the case was based on evidence and that there were “no sacred cows”.

Romualdez's co-respondents include former lawmaker Elizaldy Co and several others accused of conspiring to unlawfully accumulate wealth through government funds.

Romualdez resigned as speaker of the House of Representatives in September last year after his name surfaced in the widening investigation. At the time, he said stepping down would allow investigators to work without “undue influence”. He remains a member of congress.

Over the past year, prosecutors have filed cases against several sitting and former lawmakers, public works officials and construction company representatives allegedly linked to the scheme.