Ombudsman to file plunder cases against Romualdez, Escudero in May

The Ombudsman is ready to file plunder cases against Rep. Martin Romualdez and Sen. Francis "Chiz" Escudero. 

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla disclosed his plan of action in a press conference on Monday, Apr. 6. 

"Plunder ang aming inihahandang kasong para sa kanila... with the element of conspiracy involved in the preparation of the complaint," he said.

Remulla added that his office is only tying up evidence before finally making the complaint within the month of May. He also confirmed that the cases are in relation to the ongoing flood control scandal.

He added that the two lawmakers are among several individuals his office will charge with plunder and malversation.

"Maraming miyembro ng dalawang bahay ang maaaring tamaan din ng mga kasong plunder sa aming hinahanda ngayon," he added.

He also confirmed that the plunder cases are based on an alleged conspiracy involved in the national budget, particularly in 2024 and 2025 or as far as the time of former Rep. Lord Allan Velasco, who was the House Speaker from 2020 to 2022.

Romualdez reacts

Romualdez’s legal counsel, Atty. Ade Fajardo, stated that they are aware of the recent developments.

“To be clear, this refers only to a reported preparation of a complaint. There is no filed case, no finding of probable cause, and no determination of liability at this time,” Fajardo said.

“We respect the processes of the Office of the Ombudsman and will fully cooperate if and when a formal proceeding is initiated … We want to emphasize that, to-date, there is no evidence linking Rep. Romualdez to any ghost and substandard projects pertaining to the flood control issue,” he added.

As of writing, Escudero has yet to give his statement.

In September 2025, the Department of Justice released the list of individuals who will undergo "case build-up" in connection with the alleged corruption in the Department of Public Works and Highways' flood control projects. Among those included in the list are former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, along with Escudero, Sen. Joel Villanueva, and Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, and former Sen. Bong Revilla.

Both Romualdez and Escudero previously maintained their innosence.

Months later, the Independent Commission for Infrastructure and Department of Public Works and Highways submitted a joint report to the Office the Ombudsman recommending several charges against Romualdez and Co for their alleged involvement in the flood control mess. 

The ICI in December 2025 recommended plunder and corruption charges against Escudero, Revilla, and other officials reportedly involved in the flood control scandal.