Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla announced Thursday that the Department of Justice (DOJ) will move to freeze the assets of former senator Nancy Binay, Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, former Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero, and former Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Remulla said the four will also be placed under an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO) after being linked to alleged kickbacks from flood control projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). The accusations surfaced during Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearings through the testimony of former DPWH undersecretary Roberto Bernardo.
“Nadagdag na sila sa request for freeze orders. At saka ILBO,” Remulla told reporters in an ambush interview.
The justice chief stressed that the government will pursue all measures necessary to safeguard public interest. “Mahirap itong kasong ito. But ang aming sinasabi dito, wala tayong sisinuhin dito. Lahat ng kinakailangan ma-ILBO, lahat ng kinakailangan ma-freeze order, lahat ng kinakailangan mahabla, hahabla natin,” he said, adding that the requests are expected “very soon.”
Remulla also revealed that Orly Guteza—the man who testified about delivering a luggage of cash to Romualdez’s residence—could be placed under the Witness Protection Program (WPP). “Since he did not participate in any crime, he can be admitted into the WPP. Even as a state witness. It’s not a problem,” Remulla noted.
Earlier, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) recommended filing malversation and indirect bribery complaints against individuals implicated by Bernardo. Those named included Escudero, Binay, former senator Bong Revilla, Co, and Education Undersecretary Trygve Olaivar.
All officials identified—Binay, Escudero, Revilla, and Co—have denied the allegations.
Romualdez, a cousin of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., firmly rejected the claims against him. “I was deeply surprised to hear the allegation raised against me today. The so-called testimony… is an outright and complete fabrication—nothing more than a desperate attempt to link me to supposed kickbacks where none exist,” he said.
He dismissed the statements as “clearly political and the product of coaching,” pointing out that the witness’ account was flawed. “The most telling flaw is the witness’ claim that deliveries were made to McKinley beginning December 2024. Imposible iyan. That property has been under renovation since January 2024 and was unoccupied except for construction workers,” he stressed.
“I have never received or benefited from kickbacks in any infrastructure project,” Romualdez added, vowing to fight back against the accusations.
