Romualdez camp seeks due process amid Ombudsman raps

The camp of former Speaker and Leyte 1st District Rep. Martin Romualdez on Wednesday said it expects due process to be observed after a complaint was lodged against him for alleged plunder and money laundering, among others.  

In a statement, Atty. Ade Fajardo, Romualdez’s lawyer and spokesperson, said they have not yet received an official copy of the complaint from the Office of the Ombudsman. 

“That said, we categorically and unequivocally deny any and all allegations of wrongdoing. Former Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez has acted at all times within the bounds of law,” Fajardo said.  

“We expect due process to be observed. Once formally furnished, we will respond fully before the proper forum,” he added.  

Earlier, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla asked the Sandiganbayan to issue a precautionary hold departure order (PHDO) against Romualdez. 

This was after Speaker Faustino Dy III gave Romualdez clearance to travel to Singapore from April 20 to May 4 for a medical procedure. 

Remulla later told reporters that he denied Romualdez’s request.  

The Ombudsman’s application for a PHDO cited a complaint affidavit dated April 20, 2026 filed by the Special Panel of Investigators of the Office of the Ombudsman before the Ombudsman’s Preliminary Investigation, Administrative Adjudication and Monitoring Office.

The complaint affidavit was over alleged plunder, direct bribery, violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, indirect bribery and money laundering.  

The Ombudsman said the complaint-affidavit “involves the alleged kickback scheme tied to flood control projects, purportedly masterminded by the respondent [Romualdez], with the total amount of such kickbacks reaching approximately P56 billion.”  

On Tuesday, Romualdez denied any role in corruption related to the 2025 national budget. 

He said there is “no evidence that proves that he committed plunder, conspiracy to commit plunder, or any similar offense that the Ombudsman may be contemplating against me.”  

The former House Speaker also called on the Ombudsman to follow the evidence because public pressure is not tantamount to prosecutorial duty. 

“What I ask of the Office of the Ombudsman is simple: follow the rule of law and due process. This is a serious matter, and it should be handled with seriousness, not with haste, theatrics, or shortcuts,” Romualdez said. — JMA, GMA News