# Philippines Romualdez flood‑control investigation

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/philippines-romualdez-floodcontrol-investigation
> Updated: 2026-08-20T07:17:09.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 3.

In late July 2026, the Philippines’ flood‑control project scandal involving former Speaker Martin Romualdez continued to unfold.

On 20 July, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stated he would not intervene in the Ombudsman’s probe of his cousin Romualdez, pledging to respect due process. The administration rejected claims of selective prosecution, emphasizing that evidence should determine legal action. The Ombudsman’s office indicated the investigation was nearing completion, and Romualdez’s camp signaled the former speaker was ready to face any charges.

Two days later, the Bureau of Immigration clarified it had not issued false information regarding an alleged April travel plan for Romualdez. His representatives affirmed his willingness to answer any complaints as the Ombudsman’s special panel pressed a preliminary inquiry into possible plunder, bribery, graft, and anti‑money‑laundering violations.

By 20 August, the legal battle intensified as Romualdez’s counsel requested the dismissal of the plunder complaint. The defense invoked the “equipoise rule,” arguing that conflicting testimonies and recantations from former employees and bodyguards—specifically individuals previously identified as the “maleta boys”—create sufficient doubt to uphold the presumption of innocence. 

Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano noted that investigators might include four former security escorts of former Representative Elizaldy Co in the charges following their alleged recantations. While acknowledging the submitted counter-affidavits, Clavano emphasized that “no public official is above the law” and that all infrastructure spending must be accounted for.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-20: Martin Romualdez seeks dismissal of flood control plunder case

The Philippine Office of the Ombudsman is investigating a flood control plunder scheme as former Speaker Martin Romualdez seeks dismissal of charges, citing conflicting witness testimonies and recantations.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/martin-romualdez-seeks-dismissal-of-flood-control-plunder-case

### 2026-07-25: Philippines ex‑Speaker Martin Romualdez vows to face complaints in flood‑control probe

Philippines' former Speaker Martin Romualdez says he will face complaints as the Ombudsman investigates flood‑control allegations, while the immigration bureau denies spreading false travel‑plan reports.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/philippines-exspeaker-martin-romualdez-vows-to-face-complaints-in-floodcontrol-probe

### 2026-07-20: Philippines President Marcos says he will not interfere in cousin Romualdez flood scandal probe

President Marcos Jr. said he will not meddle in the Ombudsman's flood‑control scandal probe of cousin Martin Romualdez, stressing due process and acceptance of any outcome.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/philippines-president-marcos-says-he-will-not-interfere-in-cousin-romualdez-flood-scandal-probe

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Cite as: Philippines Romualdez flood‑control investigation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/philippines-romualdez-floodcontrol-investigation