ICI, DPWH to show over Romualdez, Zaldy Co data to Ombudsman 

What would comply with the turnover of knowledge from the ICI and DPWH to the Ombudsman? Marcos stored it obscure in his announcement.

MANILA, Philippines — Amid controversies from corruption allegations to supposed drug use hounding him, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday, November 21, stated he had ordered the turnover of “any info gathered thus far” on claims made by former Home speaker Martin Romualdez and resigned consultant Zaldy Co involving flood management anomalies.

The method would have proceeded although even with out the President’s announcement.

“Kaya ngayon, ay nais kong ipaalam sa ating mga kababayan na ang ICI at saka ang DPWH, lahat ng nakuha nila na impormasyon, ay ire-refer, ibibigay na sa Ombudsman para imbestigahan ng Ombudsman,” stated Marcos in a recorded message posted on his social media accounts.

(I would like the general public to know that the Unbiased Fee for Infrastructure and the Division of Public Works and Highways will refer and hand over to the Ombudsman all info they’ve gathered in order that the Ombudsman will examine.) 

“Ito ay tungkol sa mga impormasyon ng courting Speaker Martin Romualdez at saka ni Zaldy Co,” he added. 

(That is in relation to info from former speaker Martin Romualdez and Zaldy Co.) 

In a separate announcement, each the DPWH and ICI introduced suggestions to file plunder complaints in opposition to Romualdez and Co. 

The ICI is an advert hoc, three-person physique that Marcos created to probe a decade’s price of public infrastructure initiatives after it was revealed — by information reviews and congressional probes — that billions of pesos in public funds supposed for essential flood management initiatives have been siphoned off by contractors and public officers alike. The extensive internet first solid throughout Marcos’ 2025 State of the Nation Tackle has since entangled Marcos’ kinfolk and closest allies. 

Romualdez is Marcos’ first cousin and was Home speaker till September 2025 – he stepped down amid criticism of how Congress dealt with budgets below Marcos. 

Co, in the meantime, was as soon as chair of the highly effective appropriations committee, which leads deliberations for the nationwide finances. The previous Ako Bicol consultant has since fled the Philippines amid allegations that he additionally acquired kickbacks from authorities initiatives. 

Co has since turned in opposition to each Marcos and Romualdez, accusing them of masterminding mission insertions within the 2025 finances because it was being deliberated by a congressional bicameral committee. A number of high Marcos administration officers, together with the chief secretary and the finances secretary, have since resigned or been changed following Co’s allegations. 

What would comply with the turnover of knowledge from the ICI and DPWH to the Ombudsman? Marcos stored it obscure in his announcement.

“’Pag nakita lahat ng ebidensya, baka mag-file ng kaso ng plunder o anti-graft o oblique bribery. Malakas naman ang loob natin na ‘yung Ombudsman, ang ginagawa lamang ay sumusunod sa ebidensya, at kung saan tayo dinadala ng ebidensya, doon pupunta ang ating imbestigasyon,” he stated. 

(As soon as all of the proof are there, possibly plunder or anti-graft or oblique bribery instances may very well be filed. I’m assured that the Ombudsman will comply with solely the proof. Our investigation goes the place the proof takes it.)  

The Ombudsman is Marcos’ former justice secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla. On November 20, Remulla stated instances associated to the flood management mess would doubtless be filed in opposition to Romualdez between six to 9 months. – Rappler.com