Ombudsman to probe Romualdez, Zaldy Co for plunder over flood control funds

The Office of the Ombudsman is set to initiate a preliminary investigation into former House Speaker Martin Romualdez and former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Elizaldy "Zaldy" Co over their alleged involvement in multibillion-peso plunder and money laundering activities.

Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano announced that the anti-graft body will file two separate criminal complaints against the high-profile former lawmakers and several other individuals. The cases stem from a massive, months-long investigation into alleged systemic corruption and irregularities surrounding the country’s public flood control projects.

According to the Ombudsman, the first complaint centers on alleged violations of the Anti-Plunder Law (Republic Act No. 7080). The second complaint involves violations of the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2001 (Republic Act No. 9160), targeting the suspected concealment and movement of ill-gotten wealth derived from the infrastructure projects.

The Ombudsman’s office clarified that the upcoming proceedings represent a preliminary investigation phase. This initial legal process aims to evaluate the evidence gathered by state investigators and determine whether there is sufficient probable cause to file formal criminal charges against Romualdez, Co, and their co-respondents before the Sandiganbayan, the country's specialized anti-graft court.

As of press time, neither Romualdez nor Co has issued an official statement regarding the impending complaints.