MANILA, Philippines — The Court of Appeals ordered the freezing of assets belonging to former House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez in connection with an alleged flood control fund scandal, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said Saturday.
Remulla said in a radio interview that the freeze order, secured by the Anti-Money Laundering Council, covers 25 bank accounts and 10 insurance policies under Romualdez’s name.
The AMLC said the order, issued on April 23, was based on a finding of probable cause linking the assets to alleged offenses including plunder under Republic Act No. 7659, direct and indirect bribery under the Revised Penal Code, and violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
The agency said the freeze order also covers additional bank accounts, insurance policies, and an investment account linked to an alleged associate, as well as financial and property accounts tied to a corporate entity.
Remulla said plunder charges against Romualdez and Francis Escudero are expected to be filed next month in connection with the case.
The Sandiganbayan earlier issued a precautionary hold departure order against Romualdez, citing probable cause that he may leave the country to avoid prosecution.
Romualdez previously requested travel clearance for a trip to Singapore from April 20 to May 4 for a medical follow-up. He has denied wrongdoing and said he would contest the allegations, adding that other officials were involved in budget decisions cited in the case.
The camp of Romualdez and the AMLC have yet to issue further statements.
