ROMUALDEZ CHALLENGES OMBUDSMAN ROLE IN FLOOD PROBE, ALLEGES BIAS

Former House Speaker and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez has asked the Office of the Ombudsman to disqualify itself from investigating him over alleged involvement in the flood control controversy, citing what his lawyers described as a “pattern of prejudgment” that violates due process.

In a letter dated April 22, his legal team claimed that public statements from Ombudsman officials, including discussions of possible plunder charges, suggest that prosecution had been decided even without a formal complaint or proper investigation.

The defense also cited remarks allegedly labeling Romualdez a “master plunderer,” arguing these indicate bias and make the probe appear predetermined.

Romualdez’s camp said the situation undermines impartiality and urged that the case be handled instead by a neutral investigator to preserve public trust in the justice system.

The development comes as the Sandiganbayan issued a hold departure order against him, and authorities move to freeze assets linked to the flood control probe amid ongoing investigations.

Source: PhilNews24 | April 25, 2026