Martin Romualdez has replaced another official as the primary beneficiary of Department of Public Works and Highways allocations, raising concerns over political favoritism in budget distribution.

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla dismissed the significance of testimonies from 25 individuals claiming to be former bodyguards of resigned Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co.

Former security aides to ex-Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy Co have denied allegations by 18 of their former colleagues that they were involved in delivering suitcases full of cash to former Speaker Martin Romualdez.

Lawyers for former Speaker Martin Romualdez have filed a supplemental affidavit, seeking the dismissal of a plunder complaint filed against him by the Office of the Ombudsman in connection with a flood control scandal.

A witness's recantation in the case against Romualdez has prompted discussions on its impact on the Ombudsman's investigation. Despite the recantation, the Ombudsman stated that 28 other witnesses remain against Romualdez.

Former House Speaker Martin Romualdez has filed his counter-affidavit with the Office of the Ombudsman, addressing complaints against him and citing a recantation by 'maleta boys'.

A video circulating online depicting President Marcos and Speaker Romualdez laughing about 'fooling' the public has been fact-checked and confirmed to be AI-generated, with two separate AI-detection tools flagging it as likely containing AI-generated elements.

Justice Secretary Remulla has accused the camp of House Speaker Romualdez of being behind the recantations of three out of four 'maleta boys' involved in a case. Romualdez, however, has denied the allegations, stating that Remulla's comments show prejudice.

A spokesperson for Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez alleges that former Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan is being coerced into providing evidence against the lawmaker, suggesting a lack of direct documentation linking Romualdez to any wrongdoing.

Former Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez criticized the Office of the Ombudsman for allegedly using "discredited" witnesses to build plunder and graft cases against him.

President Marcos is reportedly attempting to contain a major administration scandal by distancing himself from his cousin, Martin Romualdez, who is being framed as the 'biggest loser' of SONA 2026.

Lawyers of Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez want the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to apologize for what they called “patently false” reports that the former Speaker had attempted to leave the country.

Lawyers for Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez have demanded an apology from the Bureau of Immigration (BI) over allegedly fake reports regarding his attempt to leave the Philippines.

Lawyers for former speaker Martin Romualdez have asserted that he will not flee the Philippines, countering insinuations from the Assistant Ombudsman that he intends to evade prosecution in a flood control controversy.

Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano announced that former House Speaker Martin Romualdez allegedly tried to leave the Philippines despite a Sandiganbayan travel ban, as the Ombudsman prepares a plunder complaint against him.

The Office of the Ombudsman is evaluating conflict of interest complaints against CWS party-list Rep. Edwin Gardiola and two other lawmakers. Its chief, Jesus Crispin Remulla, also stated that a plunder case against Romualdez is nearing filing.

The camp of Romualdez has alleged that Bonoan is being pressured to testify, suggesting external influence in a legal or political matter. This claim raises questions about the integrity of potential testimony.

Leyte First District Rep. Martin Romualdez has proposed a series of measures to enhance school safety and child protection, in response to a mass shooting incident at San Jose National High School on June 22.

The Office of the Ombudsman in the Philippines is seeking former Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan to serve as a state witness in plunder cases, aiming to implicate former Speaker Martin Romualdez and former Senator Ramon Revilla Jr.

The Sandiganbayan’s Seventh Division has denied for lack of merit the motion filed by former House Speaker and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez to lift the precautionary hold departure order (PHDO) against him.

A fact-check report confirms that a video showing House Speaker Martin Romualdez challenging Vice President Sara Duterte to address allegations is AI-generated, despite Romualdez having made similar statements in 2024.

Ombudsman Remulla has instructed Speaker Cayetano to enforce the suspension of Aplasca, while also noting that House staff are refusing to cooperate in Romualdez's 'grand' case. Cayetano, in turn, challenged alleged coup plotters to produce 13 signatures.

The camp of former House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has asserted that the legal action against online channel Peanut Gallery Media Network (PGMN) is not an infringement on press freedom, emphasizing the importance of responsible journalism.

A viral video purporting to show Romualdez threatening lawmakers over a budget mess has been fact-checked and confirmed to be AI-generated, with the original video showing different statements.

This week's top news roundup highlights significant developments involving figures like Franco Mabanta, Martin Romualdez, Nicholas Kaufman, and discussions within the Senate.

A misleading video claimed former House speaker Romualdez released a USB drive with budget corruption evidence against Marcos, but a fact-check confirms his statement only referenced alleged corruption without mentioning such evidence.

A commentary piece discusses political accountability in the Philippines, highlighting the challenges of addressing scandals involving powerful figures like Romualdez, particularly in the context of flood control.

The Philippine Ombudsman is investigating the leak of its investigators' identities and is preparing to file charges against those responsible. This comes as the Ombudsman also pursues additional legal actions against officials like Romualdez and Escudero.

Ombudsman Remulla confirmed an appeals court's freeze order against Romualdez's assets and also clarified his position that there is no such thing as ombudsman inhibition.

House Speaker Martin Romualdez has accused Justice Secretary Crispin Remulla of bias and is seeking to disqualify the Ombudsman from investigating him. Romualdez claims the Ombudsman's probe is tainted by prejudice.

Malacañang stated that there has been no known communication between President Marcos and Romualdez amidst an ongoing corruption controversy.

Philippine Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla indicated he would move to block House Speaker Martin Romualdez's planned medical checkup trip to Singapore.

Senator Ping Lacson stated that Representative Martin Romualdez missed at least two opportunities to publicly address budget allegations, following claims that Romualdez was being made a 'fall guy'.

The Ombudsman has requested the Sandiganbayan court to issue an order preventing Martin Romualdez from departing the Philippines.

The Supreme Court of the Philippines has affirmed the malversation conviction of former mayor Teresita Soliva of Remedios T. Romualdez, Agusan del Norte, for failing to liquidate cash advances from municipal development funds.

The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) has turned over documents and records related to its investigation of anomalous government infrastructure projects to the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Monday, March 23.

TACLOBAN CITY — The city government here is set to implement austerity measures in response to the ongoing fuel crisis triggered by tensions in the Middle East, with Mayor Alfred Romualdez announcing…

The Philippine government has lost its bid to forfeit $5.19 million in funds belonging to the Romualdez family, which have remained untouched at the Philippine National Bank for 16 years.

Malacañang yesterday dismissed as a “lousy script” the story of 18 men who introduced themselves as former Marines, who claimed they delivered suitcases containing billions of pesos to the houses of President Marcos and his cousin, former speaker Martin Romualdez.

Leyte Representative Ferdinand Martin Romualdez is asking the Office of the Ombudsman to take into account pre-trial recantations by witnesses in ongoing complaints against him, despite Supreme Court skepticism toward such reversals.

Rappler is examining whether the complaint filed against Martin Romualdez, concerning alleged misuse of funds, stands on solid ground or is built on a 'house of cards'.

Lawyer Levito Baligod reportedly asked 25 former security aides of ex-Rep. Elizaldy Co to join the cause of '18 bodyguards' in a case where they denied delivering cash in suitcases.

Romualdez has filed a supplemental counter-affidavit with the Ombudsman in response to plunder charges, now including Guteza in his defense. This filing is part of his ongoing legal efforts to counter the allegations.

Former Marine Orly Guteza has withdrawn his allegations against Martin Romualdez, claiming he was coerced by Senator Rodante Marcoleta and former congressman Mike Defensor to falsely implicate Romualdez in a kickback scheme.

The Ombudsman is considering a plunder complaint against four former bodyguards of ex-Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, who recanted their statements, potentially including them in a case against former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

The Palace Press Officer challenged Caloocan Rep. Edgar Erice to substantiate his criticisms regarding President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s stance on former Speaker Martin Romualdez.

A fact-check confirms that no arrest warrant has been issued for former Philippine House speaker Romualdez, despite a viral video claiming his arrest, though he is expected to face charges in a flood control scandal.

A lawyer for Romualdez has confirmed that he is not fleeing the Philippines and is prepared to face a preliminary investigation into the flood situation. This statement addresses concerns about his whereabouts and accountability.

The Office of the Ombudsman in the Philippines announced that testimonies from former bodyguards of Zaldy Co against Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez are supported by independent evidence.

The Ombudsman has ordered House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and Representative Yedda Marie Romualdez to respond to plunder and graft complaints filed against them. The directive initiates a formal process for them to address the allegations.

The Ombudsman has given Philippine Congressman Romualdez 15 days to file a counter-affidavit in response to a recommendation for plunder and graft charges.

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) stood by its statements regarding former House Speaker Martin Romualdez’s alleged travel plans, denying it disseminated false information on the matter.

Investigators are pushing for former House speaker Martin Romualdez, ex-lawmaker Zaldy Co, and others to be charged with plunder and money laundering over an alleged P56-billion corruption scheme.

A fact-check report confirms that a video showing former House speaker Romualdez 'daring' the Senate to investigate him is AI-generated and false, despite his previous denials of corruption allegations.

An Ombudsman probe has identified former House speaker Martin Romualdez as a 'central figure' in an alleged flood control corruption scheme, with plunder charges reportedly imminent.

Plunder charges against Romualdez are reportedly very close to being officially filed. The Ombudsman's office has indicated that the legal process is in its final stages.

The camp of Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez claims that former public works secretary Manuel Bonoan may have been pressured to testify regarding a multibillion-peso flood control scandal. The allegations suggest undue influence in the ongoing investigation.

The lawyer for Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has challenged claims by the Office of the Ombudsman, asserting that no investigation has established his client's connections to an alleged infrastructure mess.

An investigative report highlights patterns of properties and assets that consistently lead back to associates of Martin Romualdez, suggesting a need for further scrutiny.

The United States has reportedly canceled the visas of Leyte representative Martin Romualdez, who faces multiple complaints including plunder, graft, and money laundering before the Ombudsman.

The Sandiganbayan has rejected Martin Romualdez's petition to lift his travel ban. Romualdez, along with former Marines, has also been invited to the next Senate hearing concerning flood management issues.

Former House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez's camp has stated that no single person has 'functional control' or discretion over the entire budget process.

The new US Ambassador to the Philippines, MaryKay Carlson, is preparing for her travel to Manila after meeting with Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez. Carlson's appointment marks a significant diplomatic development between the two nations.

The Ombudsman has launched a preliminary investigation into alleged irregularities found in the Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) of several lawmakers, including Romualdez and Escudero. This probe is linked to an ongoing inquiry into flood-related issues.

The camp of Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has accused the online channel Peanut Gallery Media Network (PGMN) of extortion, following the arrest of its founder and alleged narrative twisting.

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung of Vietnam departed for Cebu, the Philippines, to participate in the 48th ASEAN Summit from May 7-8, following an invitation from Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr.

A lawyer highlights 'red flags' in property holdings linked to Martin Romualdez, suggesting a pattern consistent with concealing ill-gotten wealth.

A lawyer stated that the precautionary hold departure order (HDO) against Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez can still be challenged, as the Office of the Ombudsman made the bid without properly informing the lawmaker.

A fact-check report from Rappler debunks claims that Martin Romualdez apologized to the Duterte family, with Romualdez maintaining his stance against ongoing corruption investigations.

The Court of Appeals has ordered the freezing of former Speaker Martin Romualdez's assets, a decision confirmed by Ombudsman Remulla. This action marks a significant legal development concerning the former official.

Former House speaker Martin Romualdez has moved to disqualify the Office of the Ombudsman from investigating his alleged involvement in a flood control controversy, citing a 'pattern of prejudgment'.

An appeals court has frozen 25 bank accounts of an unnamed incumbent legislator involved in an anomalous flood control probe. Separately, Martin Romualdez has requested the Ombudsman to recuse from his case, alleging bias.

The Office of the Ombudsman is investigating Jose Raulito Paras, a key figure whose overlapping corporate roles reportedly demonstrate a pattern of acting within corporate structures linked to Romualdez's interests.

Former Philippine House Speaker Romualdez is under investigation for alleged corruption related to budget decisions and infrastructure projects, with the Ombudsman seeking a precautionary hold departure order and asset freeze against him. Romualdez has denied being a scapegoat and is attempting to travel for a medical follow-up.

The only legal basis to bar Romualdez from traveling abroad would be a precautionary hold departure order or a hold departure order, but no court has issued either

A fact-check confirms that the Philippine Supreme Court has not issued any ruling convicting Romualdez over unprogrammed appropriations in the national budget, contrary to viral claims.

Tingog party-list Rep. Jude Acidre has accused Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco of misleading the public by claiming charges were recommended against former Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, citing documents that dispute the claim.

Former House Speaker Martin Romualdez made his first public appearance in Leyte's 1st congressional district since the flood control projects controversy, receiving a warm welcome from local officials and residents.

The Independent Commission for Infrastructure found no liability on the part of former House speaker Martin Romualdez over the flood control anomalies, Tingog party-list Rep.

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Wednesday chided Quezon City Rep. Bong Suntay for claiming that Vice President Sara Duterte’s remarks that she had hired a hitman to kill President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos  and former Speaker Martin Romualdez were not actual threats. In a briefing on Palace press officer Claire Castro said any

Philippines: 18 ex-Marines rock Manila politics with explosive allegations as Marcos Jr, cousin Romualdez tagged in $13.9-billion flood control mega-kickbacks  Gulf News

Philippine investigators have upheld allegations of a money laundering network involving former first lady Imelda Marcos's brother, Martin Romualdez, despite recent recantations by key witnesses.

Rappler reviews the Ombudsman's complaint against Romualdez, examining how recantations from former security aides of Zaldy Co might impact the case's viability.

A lawyer argues that varying witness statements and a lack of forensic or documentary evidence should lead to the dismissal of charges against Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez regarding anomalous infrastructure projects.

Orly Guteza, a retired Marine, has recanted his previous accusations against Romualdez in a multibillion-peso flood control corruption scandal, stating he was tapped by Marcoleta and Defensor.

Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante criticized Vice President Sara Duterte for an alleged online threat against President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former speaker Martin Romualdez, calling it a betrayal of public trust.

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla stated that the reported recantation of alleged bagmen would not affect the plunder charges against former Speaker Martin Romualdez. He downplayed the significance of the recantation.

Sandy Prieto-Romualdez, chairperson of the Inquirer Group of Companies, delivered welcome remarks at the second Inquirer ESG Edge Impact Awards, celebrating achievements in environmental, social, and governance practices.

An AirAsia flight from Tacloban City to Manila was canceled after a technical problem with its landing gear was detected before takeoff, causing a brief disruption at Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport.

Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has criticized the Office of the Ombudsman for allegedly using previously discredited witnesses to build cases against him, questioning the fairness of the investigation.

Former House Speaker Martin Romualdez and his co-accused have been ordered to answer complaints filed against him before the Office of the Ombudsman.

The Ombudsman is investigating allegations that former Speaker Romualdez received kickbacks funneled through corporate entities and the use of 'maleta' (suitcases). Romualdez's camp stated he is ready to face any complaints.

House private prosecutor Tolosa states that doubts have been erased regarding the seriousness of Vice President Sara Duterte's alleged threats to kill President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

The Philippine Ombudsman has alleged that Martin Romualdez is attempting to leave the Philippines despite a travel ban, while his spokesperson states he will remain to clear his name. President Marcos has maintained a hands-off approach regarding his cousin's case.

House Speaker Martin Romualdez is prepared to face charges from the Ombudsman, according to his lawyer. Romualdez's legal team confirmed his readiness to cooperate with any investigation.

An investigation reveals a P425-million property in Connecticut linked to former House speaker Martin Romualdez, showing a pattern of similar characters and methods.

Bonoan is seeking to become a state witness in cases against Romualdez and Revilla, with the Ombudsman stating that his testimony could help secure convictions. This move aims to strengthen the prosecution's efforts against the accused.

The Philippine House of Representatives, through Speaker Martin Romualdez and Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, has vowed medical and reconstruction aid for earthquake-hit Mindanao and is reviewing concerns related to the quake amidst ongoing impeachment preparations.

An opinion piece from Rappler criticizes the state of justice in the Philippines, highlighting a perceived double standard where one individual is removed from court while Martin Romualdez remains. The author invokes Edcel Lagman in questioning the situation.

A court has upheld the dismissal of a $5.19 million forfeiture case against the father of Romualdez, involving money placed in escrow with the Philippine National Bank in 1999.

Former House Speaker Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez is being linked to alleged anomalies within the Committee on Appropriations concerning flood control projects, raising questions of command responsibility.

Mabanta has been arraigned on charges in a robbery extortion case involving Romualdez, with his camp declining to comment on the proceedings.

PGMN founder Franco Mabanta and four other individuals have been released after successfully posting bail in an alleged extortion case filed against them. The group had previously been subpoenaed and faced difficulties in securing their temporary release.

Rappler investigates the properties of Martin Romualdez, emphasizing the importance of public awareness and memory regarding such matters.

Leyte Representative Ferdinand Martin Romualdez was observed in the House of Representatives' plenary hall, engaging with fellow lawmakers following the approval of the proposed National Land Use bill.

Rappler’s investigation reveals that Tropics Hotel is owned by a company whose shareholders are businessmen and lawyers connected to Leyte 1st District Representative Martin Romualdez.

Senator Panfilo Lacson announced that progress on the stalled Senate probe into flood control projects is expected to be presented in May. The investigation faces calls to invite House Speaker Martin Romualdez for questioning.

Rappler reporter Dwight de Leon reviews and annotates a video released by former House speaker Martin Romualdez, breaking down his response to recent corruption allegations.

After former House speaker Martin Romualdez, the Office of the Ombudsman is now seeking to bar former Senate president Francis Escudero and another individual from leaving the country over their…

Leyte 1st District Rep. Martin Romualdez's aide confirmed he is still in the Philippines and continues to oversee congressional duties, addressing public speculation about his absence from events.

Redrawing responsibility from design to execution

The Philippine Palace clarified that House Speaker Romualdez's corruption remarks were not directed at President Marcos, actively distancing the President from the allegations. This comes as Marcos also approved the promotion of 17 senior PNP officers and visited Palayan City.

Former Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson stated that former House Speaker Martin Romualdez should have appeared before the Senate inquiry into alleged anomalous flood control projects. Lacson heads the committee investigating the matter.

Former speaker Romualdez has denied masterminding a flood control corruption scheme, stating he will not be the "fall guy."

A press conference revealed that Romualdez was denied permission to travel to Singapore for a medical check-up due to a lookout bulletin.

The camp of former Philippine House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has expressed support for the Ombudsman's investigation into looming plunder complaints, while asserting there is no evidence linking the lawmaker to the charges.

The Independent Commission for Infrastructure has refuted Tingog party-list Rep. Jude Acidre’s interpretation, stating that Romualdez has not been cleared in the ongoing flood control scandal.

Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez lauded the House of Representatives' approval on third reading of a consolidated bill to establish the Presidential Merit Scholarship Program.

MANILA, Philippines — The Sandiganbayan has dismissed the government’s bid to forfeit the alleged “unexplained wealth” worth $5 million in the Swiss accounts of the parents of Leyte Rep.

Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has filed a bill proposing a P3,500 monthly subsidy for informal settler families (ISFs) to assist them during periods of temporary homelessness.

Leyte Representative Martin Romualdez is advocating for the passage of a bill aimed at establishing and institutionalizing hospitals specifically for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) across the country.