Ombudsman says plunder raps vs Escudero, Romualdez to be filed in May
The Ombudsman is preparing to file plunder charges against Senator Chiz Escudero and Representative Martin Romualdez related to a flood control scandal.
Based on recent Philippine news reports, the Office of the Ombudsman is investigating potential plunder charges against Senator Francis 'Chiz' Escudero and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, but there is no confirmed timeline for filing charges in May as initially suggested. The investigations stem from massive corruption allegations involving flood control projects. In November 2025, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) formally recommended filing plunder, graft, and bribery charges against Romualdez and former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co over anomalies in billion-peso flood control projects. The referral included evidence boxes delivered to the Ombudsman's office.
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla stated on November 21, 2025, that his office is 'investigating every possible angle' regarding Romualdez and Co's involvement in the flood control scam. He indicated that charges against Romualdez related to this specific case would take approximately six to nine months to prepare, potentially placing the filing timeline between May and August 2026, but no specific May date was confirmed. The investigations involve allegations of irregularities in 421 'ghost' flood control projects worth billions of pesos, with particular focus on a P289 million anomalous project in Oriental Mindoro.
Regarding Senator Escudero, separate investigations have identified a money trail allegedly linking him to flood control anomalies. According to testimonies from former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, approximately P160 million was allegedly delivered to an intermediary named Maynard Ngu for Escudero. However, as of year-end 2025 coverage, no formal plunder charges had been filed against Escudero, though Ombudsman Remulla described some cases as 'low-hanging fruit' that could be pursued.
In a separate development on April 6, 2026, Ombudsman Remulla announced that his office was preparing plunder charges against both Romualdez and Escudero over national budget issues, though this appears to be distinct from the flood control scandal. Romualdez has consistently denied involvement in any irregularities, stating he has cooperated with ICI probes and maintains a 'clear conscience.' The investigations continue without final resolutions as of the latest available reports, with inter-agency cooperation involving the ICI, DPWH, and Ombudsman's office working to build cases based on evidence and sworn testimonies.
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