By Darryl John Esguerra | Philippine News Agency
Malacañang on Monday said it respects the Office of the Ombudsman’s filing of a plunder case against former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s cousin, over alleged anomalies in flood control projects.
Palace Press Officer and Usec. Claire Castro said the filing is consistent with the President’s earlier position that those who should be held accountable must face the consequences, regardless of whether they are family members or political allies.
“Ang sa Pangulo naman po ay kung sino po ang dapat na managot ay dapat na panagutin. Kung sinuman po iyan—kamag-anak, kaibigan, kaalyado o kalaban sa politika,” Usec. Castro said in a Palace briefing.
“Kung ano po ang isinisigaw ng ebidensiya dapat lamang po itong mailahad.”
Castro said those facing charges would have the opportunity to present evidence in their defense.
“At iginagalang po natin ang aksiyon ng Ombudsman dahil ito naman po ay nasa kanilang mandato,” she said.
The Ombudsman on Monday filed a plunder case before the Sandiganbayan against Romualdez and former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co over alleged irregularities involving flood control projects.
Investigators accused the two of allegedly engaging in “concerted and coordinated acts” to unlawfully amass, accumulate, and acquire ill-gotten wealth amounting to around P56 billion from 2022 to 2025.
President Marcos Jr. had earlier vowed to pursue accountability in the scandal, including against Romualdez.
In his fifth State of the Nation Address on July 27, the Chief Executive said multiple cases against the former Speaker were nearing filing before the Ombudsman.
He described the move as “painful but necessary.”
“Masakit man sa akin ito pero kailangan nating gawin ang tama,” the President said, stressing that his responsibility is to the Filipino people rather than to his family or allies.
