Manila, Philippines – Since the flood control corruption issue erupted, not only government contractors or DPWH officials were implicated, but some other officials and lawmakers as well.
One of them is former Ako Bicol Partylist Representative Zaldy Co who is now declared as a fugitive of justice with an active arrest warrant.
Aside from him, the two former leaders of the Congress of the Philippines have been linked in the corruption scheme—then Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Escudero was implicated over his connection with the owner of Centerways Construction and Development Inc. who was his campaign donor during the 2022 elections.
This is still aside from the allegations of former DPWH undersecretary Roberto Bernardo over receiving P160 million of kickback from flood control projects contracts.
Romualdez, on the other hand, was repeatedly mentioned during Senate Blue Ribbon Committee’s flood control corruptrion probe.
He is being accused of allowing budget insertions under the General Appropriations Act (GAA) given his power as the former House Speaker.
With these allegations, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin remulla confirmed that they are now preparing plunder cases against the two.
Remulla categorically said that there is a conspiracy in committing plunder in relation to the flood control scanbdal.
While he did not detail the case, he said that it will be about how the budget was passed among the 2 chambers of the Congress, hence leading to such insertions.
The Ombudsman likewise issued a subpoena for the SALN of the two lawmakers, crucial for the case being prepared.
He added that there are other lawmakers that will be implicated in the case.
Romualdez’ lawyer said that the preparation of the case does not determine conviction yet, but expressed readiness and commitment in participating with the Ombudsman’s process.
Meanwhile, Escudero has not commented yet on the matter.—Mia Layaguin, Eurotv News