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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Amid pressure from Ombudsman, Romualdez insists he did no wrong

Amid pressure from Ombudsman, Romualdez insists he did no wrong

Published Apr 22, 2026 10:35 pm

At A Glance

  • The camp of former House Speaker Leyte 1st district Rep. Martin Romualdez has firmly denied allegations of any wrongdoing, even as the Office of the Ombudsman appears to go after him.
Former House Speaker Leyte 1st district Rep. Martin Romualdez (PPAB)
Former House Speaker Leyte 1st district Rep. Martin Romualdez (PPAB)


The camp of former House Speaker Leyte 1st district Rep. Martin Romualdez has firmly denied allegations of any wrongdoing, even as the Office of the Ombudsman appears to go after him.
In a statement Wednesday, April 22, Romualdez's counsel-spokesperson lawyer Ade Fajardo said, “We have not received any official copy of the alleged complaint from the Office of the Ombudsman.”
Fajardo added that Romualdez “categorically and unequivocally” rejected the accusations. He stressed that the former Speaker “has acted at all times within the bounds of law".
The spokesperson underscored the need to observe proper procedure, and said, “We expect due process to be observed. Once formally furnished, we will respond fully before the proper forum.”
Earlier Wednesday, the Office of Ombudsman under Jesus Crispin "Boying" Remulla described Romualdez as "a flight risk", who had "means to travel and leave fast", and had "access to a diplomatic passport".
It cited in its petition for the Sandiganbayan to issue a precautionary hold departure order (PHDO) against the veteran lawmaker and Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) president.
Last April 6, Remulla bared that Romualdez and former Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero will be charged with plunder before the Sandiganbayan for their alleged involvement in the multi-billion-peso flood control project anomalies.
On Tuesday night, April 21, the ex-House leader condemned the "political demolition job" being waged against him in connection with the flood control projects mess.
"I will not allow myself to be turned into the scapegoat so that others who are actually accountable can walk away clean. If this is a political play to push me out and close the story, tarnishing my name and my reputation, then I am telling everyone now: I will not go quietly, and I will not go alone," said the Leyte legislator.

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Martin Romualdez Ombudsman Boying Remulla Sandiganbayan flood control project
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