Former House speaker and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez has moved to disqualify the Office of the Ombudsman from probing his alleged involvement in the flood control controversy, warning of a ‘pattern of prejudgment’ that violates due process. In a four-page letter dated April 22, his lawyers argued that statements by Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla show prosecution for plunder was decided in advance. He seeks handling by a neutral official.
Romualdez’s lawyers from Villaraza & Angangco Law Offices submitted a four-page letter dated April 22, tracing bias back to November 2025 when Remulla disclosed studying the case and discussing possible plunder charges. By April 2026, statements escalated to a ‘seriously prepared’ plunder case possibly involving conspiracy and multiple actors.
‘There is a reasonable impression that the ombudsman has already resolved to prosecute our client,’ the lawyers stated. They highlighted Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano’s reference to Romualdez as a ‘master plunderer’ and argued the probe would be a ‘mere formality’.
The Sandiganbayan issued a precautionary hold departure order against Romualdez at the Ombudsman’s request, directing the Bureau of Immigration to bar his exit and add him to the Hold Departure List. The Ombudsman also sought to freeze his bank accounts and assets.
The Anti-Money Laundering Council reported that the Court of Appeals issued a freeze order on assets of a ‘prominent incumbent legislator’, a business associate, and a corporate entity linked to flood control project anomalies. This covers 25 bank accounts and 10 insurance policies of the legislator, tied to plunder under RA 7659, bribery, and RA 3019.
