Leyte Representative and former House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez said he respects President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s pronouncements in his fifth State of the Nation Address, even as the President announced that the Office of the Ombudsman is set to file multiple cases against him over anomalous flood control projects.
Marcos opened his SONA on Monday, July 27, 2026, by reporting on the charges and detention of officials, lawmakers, and contractors linked to the flood control scam, and disclosed that the Ombudsman was preparing to file cases against his cousin. The President said the matter was painful for him but had to be pursued, adding that he was “not the president of my family.”
In a statement, Romualdez said the development was hurtful for his family but that he respected the President’s remarks. He maintained that he never sought any favor or special treatment and agreed that the proper course should be followed.
“The right thing to do is to follow the process and let the evidence speak,” Romualdez said. “I maintain that I never committed any criminal act, and I am ready to prove this.”
A special panel of investigators from the Ombudsman earlier filed a supplemental complaint affidavit against Romualdez, former Ako Bicol party-list Representative Zaldy Co, and others, alleging plunder, graft, and direct bribery in connection with the diversion and misuse of public funds tied to government flood control projects.
Romualdez, a lawyer, said he was prepared to face the allegations and defend himself through due process.
