Politics · Philippines Bureau
Ex-House Speaker Romualdez Faces Plunder Charges Over Alleged P56 Billion Scheme
The Office of the Ombudsman has filed a plunder case against former House Speaker Martin Romualdez in the anti-graft court, accusing him and a former lawmaker of orchestrating a scheme to amass ill-gotten wealth. The alleged conspiracy allegedly generated approximately P56 billion between 2022 and 2025.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — Ombudsman investigators have lodged a plunder complaint against former House Speaker Martin Romualdez before the Sandiganbayan, the country's anti-graft court, on Monday. The case also names former Ako Bicol Representative Zaldy Co as a co-respondent in the investigation.
According to the Ombudsman's office, Romualdez and Co allegedly engaged in "concerted and coordinated acts" designed to unlawfully accumulate and acquire ill-gotten wealth. Investigators allege the scheme generated approximately P56 billion in proceeds spanning from 2022 to 2025.
The plunder case represents a significant development in ongoing investigations into alleged financial misconduct. The Sandiganbayan will now determine whether sufficient evidence exists to proceed with formal charges against the respondents. Romualdez has previously held prominent positions in the House of Representatives before his tenure as Speaker concluded.