President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday confirmed that multiple cases against former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, his cousin, are close to being filed before the Office of the Ombudsman, underscoring that his administration’s anti-corruption campaign will not spare even family members.
Speaking at the opening of his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA), Marcos said the charges stemmed from sweeping investigations into irregularities in flood control projects.
“Malapit na ang paghahain ng patung-patong na kaso laban sa dating speaker. Masakit man sa akin ito pero kailangan nating gawin ang tama,” Marcos declared.
The President emphasized that his duty is to the Filipino people above all else. “Hindi ako Pangulo ng aking pamilya… Ako ay Pangulo ng Pilipinas at ang tungkulin ko ay sa inyo, mga kapwa ko Pilipino,” he said.
Marcos detailed how the government conducted an extensive probe that followed the evidence without favor.
“Masusi nating sinuri at sinundan kung saan tayo itinuro ng ebidensya. Lahat ng kailangang gawin ay ginawa natin upang matunton ang puno’t dulo,” he noted.
The investigation has already led to cases and arrests involving contractors, senior Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials, and lawmakers.
Marcos Jr. said nearly ₱25 billion worth of funds and assets have been recovered, frozen, or preserved, with more than ₱800 million returned to the National Treasury.
He added that prosecution is now in the hands of the Ombudsman and the strengthened National Prosecution Service, vowing that all recovered assets will be returned to the government.
Romualdez said he respects the president’s statement, adding, “Hindi ako kailanman humingi ng pabor o espesyal na pagtrato.”# (RRN)
