MANILA, Philippines — The Office of the Ombudsman said it is preparing to file plunder complaints in May against former House Speaker Martin Romualdez and former Senate President Francis Escudero over alleged irregularities in flood control projects.
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said during a press briefing on April 6 that investigators are building a case involving alleged conspiracy tied to flood control projects, based on a review of national budgets for 2024 and 2025.
Romualdez and Escudero have denied any involvement in the alleged anomalies.
Remulla said the investigation may expand to include additional respondents, including officials from the Department of Budget and Management.
An Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order was issued on Oct. 8, 2025, covering 33 individuals, including current and former lawmakers, following a request from the Independent Commission for Infrastructure during earlier probes.
Remulla said he signed the immigration order before assuming office as Ombudsman. He added that investigators may trace the alleged irregularities back to the term of former House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco.
