Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced on Monday that multiple cases against former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, his cousin, are nearing filing before the Office of the Ombudsman in connection with the flood control scandal, as part of his administration's anti-corruption campaign.
According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos made this announcement during his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) at Batasan Pambansa. The cases arise from a comprehensive government investigation into alleged irregularities in public infrastructure projects. Despite the familial ties, Marcos emphasized that his commitment to the Filipino people takes precedence over family connections.
The President expressed the difficulty of the decision but underscored the necessity of pursuing justice. "The filing of multiple cases against the former Speaker is near. Painful as this may be for me, we have to do what is right," he stated, reiterating that his presidency is devoted to serving the nation rather than personal interests.
Marcos assured the public that the investigation was conducted impartially and meticulously. "As I promised you, we conducted a thorough and extensive investigation without favoring anyone. We carefully examined the evidence and followed where it led us. We did everything necessary to uncover the whole truth," he declared.
The investigation has already led to the filing of cases and arrests of contractors, senior officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and lawmakers. The government has also taken steps to recover public funds and halt payments for defective or non-existent projects. Nearly PHP25 billion worth of funds and assets have been recovered, frozen, or preserved, with more than PHP800 million returned to the National Treasury.
Marcos emphasized that all recovered assets would be returned to the government, and the prosecution of these cases now rests with the Office of the Ombudsman and the strengthened National Prosecution Service.
In response to the President's remarks, Romualdez expressed his respect for Marcos' decision. Acknowledging the impact of the controversy on his family, he stated, "Much as it hurts our family, I respect the statement of the President. I have never sought any favor or special treatment."
Romualdez affirmed his commitment to due process and expressed confidence in proving his innocence. "I maintain that I did not do anything against the law, and I am ready to prove it," he declared.
