Suitcases of cash allegedly delivered to several locations are among the pieces of evidence cited in a supplemental complaint affidavit submitted Friday by a special investigating panel of the Office of the Ombudsman.
Running past 100 pages, the document names former Speaker Martin Romualdez, former Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, and other respondents, and covers allegations of plunder, graft, bribery, and money laundering, based on a report by Isa Avendaño-Umali aired over Super Radyo dzBB.
The filing forms part of the preliminary investigation being conducted into the flood control anomalies. New testimonies and documentary evidence were folded into the case through the supplemental affidavit.
Investigators placed the value of the alleged ill-gotten wealth at P56 billion, said to have been amassed between 2022 and 2025 through a supposed conspiracy involving the two former lawmakers. Romualdez presided over the House of Representatives during those years, while Co sat as chairperson of the chamber’s appropriations committee.
Elaine Atienza, the lawyer serving as spokesperson for Romualdez, said her client intends to answer the accusations.
“Naniniwala kami na kung magkakaroon ng patas na laban at patas na paghuhusga batay sa ebidensya, mapapatunayan ni Rep. Romualdez ang kanyang panig,” she said.
“Hinihiling lamang namin sa publiko na hayaang manaig ang proseso at ebidensya ang magpasya,” Atienza added.
Co remains outside the Philippines while the cases proceed, with reports last placing him in Prague, Czech Republic.
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said last week that the fact-finding stage of the probe involving Romualdez was nearing completion. The former Speaker has rejected the accusations raised against him.
