Ombudsman: Plunder raps vs Escudero, Romualdez set in May
The Office of the Ombudsman is preparing to file plunder charges next month against Senator Francis Escudero and Leyte Representative Martin Romualdez, linking them to a significant "flood control scandal."
The Office of the Ombudsman announced on April 6, 2026, that it is preparing to file plunder charges against Senator Francis 'Chiz' Escudero and Leyte Representative Martin Romualdez in connection with a flood control scandal, with filing expected within May 2026. Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla stated during a press briefing that the case involves a 'conspiracy to commit plunder,' based on testimonies from the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearings and analysis of the 2024 and 2025 national budgets. He noted the charges are 'related to flood control in numerous ways' and could implicate additional individuals, including Department of Budget and Management officials, with the probe potentially extending further back.
Both Escudero and Romualdez, who previously served as Senate President and House Speaker respectively (Escudero ousted in September 2025, Romualdez resigned days later), have denied involvement in any irregularities such as ghost or substandard projects. Romualdez's attorney, Ade Fajardo, described the announcement as preliminary, with no formal case yet filed, and pledged cooperation if proceedings begin.
The scandal stems from 2025 corruption allegations on flood control and infrastructure projects, leading to probes by agencies like the Independent Commission for Infrastructure; an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order was issued against 33 individuals, including lawmakers, in October 2025. A December 2025 Senate minority report (576 pages, signed by six of nine senators) held Romualdez accountable for complicity or leadership failure.
The plunder case is being prepared based on evidence gathered from multiple investigations into alleged irregularities in flood control projects funded through the national budget. Ombudsman Remulla indicated that the charges would be filed within May 2026, marking a significant development in the ongoing corruption scandal that has implicated several high-profile politicians and government officials in the Philippines.
Join the discussion
What do you think? Drop your thoughts below.