Representative Martin Romualdez pleaded not guilty to allegations he accepted millions in kickbacks related to flood-control projects that are now under scrutiny. Investigators are examining nearly 10,000 projects valued at over $9 billion, many of which were reportedly substandard or never built. Romualdez is charged with plunder — a nonbailable offense — in a case the Ombudsman says involves about 7.4 billion pesos (~$118 million); prosecutors allege some funds were concealed through property purchases and a $1 million donation to Harvard.
Philippine Lawmaker Martin Romualdez Pleads Not Guilty in Massive Flood-Control Kickback Probe
Philippines former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, a cousin of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., waits for the start of his arraignment via video conference at the Quezon City Jail in Quezon, Philippines, Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila, Pool)(AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
Representative Martin Romualdez — a former House speaker and a cousin and one-time ally of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. — pleaded not guilty Wednesday to accusations that he received millions of dollars in kickbacks tied to flood-control projects, his lawyer said.
Philippines former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, right, a cousin of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., waits for the start of his arraignment via video conference at the Quezon City Jail in Quezon, Philippines, Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila, Pool)(AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
The allegations are part of a wide-ranging investigation into nearly 10,000 flood-control projects worth more than $9 billion that were supposed to have begun after Marcos took office in mid-2022. Authorities say many projects were substandard, overpriced or not built at all, even as seasonal monsoon rains and typhoons regularly cause deadly flooding and landslides across the Philippines.
Philippines former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, center, a cousin of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., watches the screen as he waits for the start of his arraignment via video conference at the Quezon City Jail in Quezon, Philippines, Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila, Pool)(AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
Arrest, Charges and Arraignment
Romualdez was arrested last week while at a hospital and is now detained in a Quezon City jail. He faces plunder charges at the anti-graft Sandiganbayan court along with three co-defendants. Under Philippine law, plunder is a nonbailable offense.
Philippines former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, a cousin of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., waits for the start of his arraignment via video conference at the Quezon City Jail in Quezon, Philippines, Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila, Pool)(AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
"Congressman Romualdez's arraignment took place this morning and he entered a plea of not guilty," said his lawyer, Ade Fajardo. "He is maintaining his innocence."
Scope of the Investigation
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla, whose office filed the charges, said additional cases including plunder and money-laundering counts will be pursued. He told reporters the specific case involving Romualdez and three co-defendants centers on roughly 7.4 billion pesos (about $118 million) moved through various transactions. Investigators allege some of the proceeds were hidden through property purchases and by channeling a $1 million donation to Harvard University.
Philippines former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, second right, a cousin of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., waits for the start of his arraignment via video conference at the Quezon City Jail in Quezon, Philippines, Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila, Pool)(AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
Other high-profile figures have also been implicated. Former Representative Zaldy Co, who once chaired the House appropriations committee, has been indicted and is reported to have fled to Europe. An incumbent senator, a former senator, several ex-government engineers and public works officials, and wealthy construction executives have been detained or charged in connection with the probe.
Political and Institutional Response
President Marcos described the reported scale of corruption as "horrible" and established an independent commission to investigate the flood-control controversy; that commission has since been disbanded. The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee has conducted multiple hearings into the matter.
The investigation remains active and more charges are expected as prosecutors continue to sift through financial records and project contracts tied to the flood-control program.
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