he Office of the Ombudsman on Monday, September 7, filed a plunder charge before the Sandiganbayan against former House Speaker and incumbent Leyte 1st District Representative Ferdinand Martin Romualdez in connection with alleged kickbacks involving government flood-control projects.

GMA News reported that the case involves an alleged ₱7.4-billion plunder scheme. Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano confirmed that the Sandiganbayan had received the case around noon Monday.

Three others named in the case

Aside from Romualdez, the charge also names former Ako Bicol party-list Representative Zaldy Co, Joselyn Tragua Serenio, identified in reports as Romualdez's personal assistant, and Samchan Foreign Exchange Corporation president Felicito Cristobal Guevarra.

The case was later reported to have been raffled to the Sandiganbayan Third Division, chaired by Associate Justice Karl Miranda. The division is expected to evaluate the case and determine whether probable cause exists for the issuance of warrants of arrest.

GMA News also reported that judicial records indicated no bail was recommended at the time of filing. Any subsequent action concerning warrants, bail or the continuation of proceedings will be determined through the court process.

Earlier investigation involved broader ₱56-billion allegation

The case filed Monday should be distinguished from the broader allegations examined during the Ombudsman's earlier investigation.

In July, Ombudsman investigators alleged that Romualdez and Co were involved in coordinated acts that resulted in the accumulation of approximately ₱56 billion in alleged ill-gotten wealth between 2022 and 2025 through infrastructure-related kickbacks.

The ₱56-billion figure refers to the broader allegations investigated by the Ombudsman, while GMA News reported that the plunder charge actually filed on September 7 involves ₱7.4 billion.

Romualdez denies allegations

Romualdez has repeatedly denied involvement in irregularities surrounding flood-control projects.

His legal counsel, Ade Fajardo, recently called for fairness and due process and asked the Ombudsman to allow Romualdez to respond to any new evidence or allegations presented against him. His camp has also maintained that there is no credible evidence linking him to the alleged scheme.

Romualdez had previously said he had no involvement in, authorization of, or approval for alleged kickbacks and maintained that Congress approves the national budget but does not release funds or implement infrastructure projects.

Case now before anti-graft court

The filing moves the controversy from the Ombudsman's investigation stage into proceedings before the Sandiganbayan.

The allegations contained in the charge remain subject to judicial proceedings, and the filing of a criminal case does not constitute a finding of guilt.

ET News PH will continue monitoring official announcements from the Office of the Ombudsman and Sandiganbayan as the case develops.

This is a developing story and may be updated as additional court documents and official statements become available.