Romualdez Ready to Face Ombudsman Probe, Vows to Answer Flood Control Allegations

Posted on July 21, 2026 at 9:36 pm

TACLOBAN CITY — Leyte 1st District Representative and former House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez is ready to face the investigation of the Office of the Ombudsman and answer allegations involving alleged irregularities in flood control projects, according to his camp.

Romualdez’s spokesperson, Atty. Elaine Atienza said on July 20, 2026, that the former Speaker will participate in the legal process and submit his response once he receives the official copy of the complaint.

The Ombudsman is currently conducting a preliminary investigation into complaints involving alleged plunder and violations of the Anti-Money Laundering Act against Romualdez and other respondents in connection with flood control projects.

Atienza said Romualdez’s camp has not yet received the formal complaint and its supporting documents. Without these, she said, they have not been able to prepare and submit their answer to the allegations.

She stressed that the investigation is still at the fact-finding stage, where the Ombudsman examines the allegations and available evidence before deciding on the next steps. The filing of a complaint, she said, does not mean that any respondent has been found guilty or liable.

Romualdez’s camp maintained that he is willing to answer the issues raised and present his side through the proper legal process.

“The matter should be resolved based on evidence and not merely on allegations or speculation,” the camp said.

The investigation comes as the Ombudsman reviews complaints related to the implementation of flood control projects, including allegations of possible misuse or diversion of government funds.

As the proceedings continue, Romualdez remains covered by the presumption of innocence while the Ombudsman carries out its review and determines the appropriate action based on the evidence presented.

Photo credit: Official FB Page of Rep. Martin Romualdez