PHOTO CREDIT: CONGRESS PH

The Office of the Ombudsman announced on Monday that it will file two complaints for preliminary investigation against former Speaker of the House Martin Romualdez over his alleged role in the diversion of public funds intended for flood control projects.

Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said the complaints involve allegations of plunder under Republic Act No. 7080 and violations of the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA), as amended. Also named as co-respondents are former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy "Zaldy" Co and several others.

The announcement marks the latest development in the Ombudsman's months-long investigation into the alleged flood control fund scam, which authorities say involved the diversion of government funds intended for infrastructure projects designed to protect flood-prone communities.

According to the Ombudsman, investigators identified Romualdez as the alleged central figure behind the scheme.

"Our investigation identifies former Speaker Romualdez as the central figure in a scheme built on the diversion of public funds meant for flood control projects — funds that were supposed to shield Filipino communities from the very floods that, year after year, take their homes, their livelihoods, and too often, their lives. His co-respondents in this complaint include former congressman Zaldy Co, among others," Clavano said.

The Ombudsman stressed that the filing of complaints for preliminary investigation does not constitute a finding of guilt.

"Let me be precise about what this announcement means — and what it does not mean. A complaint for preliminary investigation is not a conviction. It is not, at this stage, a formal charge before a court. It is this Office's determination that the evidence gathered is substantial enough to warrant a full and formal inquiry into whether or not the case should be filed in court. Every respondent will be given the opportunity to answer. The presumption of innocence stands, as it must, unless and until proven otherwise in the proper forum," Clavano said.

He said the respondents, including Romualdez, will be required to answer the allegations before prosecutors determine whether the cases should be elevated to the Sandiganbayan.

"At this point, we will ask the respondents, including former Speaker of the House, Martin Romualdez, to answer the allegations contained in the complaint and put forth his defense. Once we receive his defense and that of his co-respondents, the case will be submitted for resolution, and the decision will lie with the panel of prosecutors whether or not the case should be filed in the Sandiganbayan," Clavano said.

The Ombudsman said its investigation is supported by sworn statements from eight witnesses who previously served as members of Co's security team.

"At the core of this case is testimony this Office does not take lightly: sworn statements from eight individuals who formerly served as Mr. Co's own security personnel — people who were present, who moved with him, who witnessed the exchanges firsthand — detailing the amounts delivered from Mr. Co to former Speaker Romualdez. This is not hearsay passed down secondhand. It is firsthand account from those who were there," Clavano said.

The Office of the Ombudsman also alleged that Romualdez attempted to leave the country despite an existing Precautionary Hold Departure Order (PHDO). The office did not immediately provide additional details regarding the alleged attempt.

The announcement came a week before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is scheduled to deliver his State of the Nation Address. Romualdez, who is the President's cousin, has previously denied wrongdoing and questioned the Ombudsman's investigation, arguing that his right to due process was violated.

If prosecutors find probable cause after the preliminary investigation, formal criminal charges may then be filed before the Sandiganbayan. As of posting, Romualdez and his legal team have yet to issue a statement on the Ombudsman's latest announcement.