Politics

Philippine lawmaker faces plunder charges over alleged $118 million flood project kickbacks

Ombudsman prosecutors accuse Rep. Martin Romualdez of taking kickbacks from public works projects.

Updated Sep 7, 2026 · 11:46 UTC2 reports

The short version

Philippine prosecutors filed plunder charges against Rep. Martin Romualdez and others at the Sandiganbayan anti-graft court over alleged flood control project kickbacks.[Associated Press · ABC News]
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla stated that the case involves 7.4 billion pesos ($118 million) divided across multiple transactions.[Associated Press · ABC News]
The case stems from scrutiny of nearly 10,000 public flood control projects worth over 545 billion pesos ($9 billion) suspected of being overpriced, substandard, or unbuilt.[ABC News]
Romualdez has previously denied wrongdoing, while co-accused former Rep. Zaldy Co is considered a fugitive after traveling to Europe.[Associated Press · ABC News]

Rep. Martin Romualdez and others have been charged with plunder at the Sandiganbayan anti-graft court regarding flood control project kickbacks.[Associated Press · ABC News]
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla stated the charges involve 7.4 billion pesos ($118 million).[Associated Press · ABC News]
Nearly 10,000 flood control projects valued at over 545 billion pesos ($9 billion) initiated since mid-2022 face scrutiny after many were discovered to be substandard, overpriced, or missing.[ABC News]
Former Rep. Zaldy Co fled to Europe and is regarded as a fugitive.[ABC News]
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. created an independent commission to examine the corruption.[Associated Press · ABC News]

Martin Romualdez has previously denied any wrongdoing, and the charges remain before the anti-graft court.[Associated Press · ABC News]
The whereabouts of former Rep. Zaldy Co remain unresolved following his flight to Europe.[ABC News]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.