Metro Manila, Philippines – Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez has requested the inhibition of the Office of the Ombudsman (OMB) from conducting a preliminary investigation, citing premature judgment on his possible involvement in the flood control project scandal.
In a letter to the OMB, Romualdez’s legal counsel enumerated instances from November 2025 up to April 2026 in which Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla expressed intentions to prosecute the lawmaker for plunder.
The letter also cited Remulla’s recent remarks describing Romualdez as a “flight risk” following the latter’s request to travel abroad for medical purposes.
“Such statements are equivocal,” the legal counsel said.
“The honorable office has already determined that our client is guilty of plunder even before any case has been filed, and while it is still performing investigatory duties,” it added.
The counsel said the filing of any complaint against Romualdez should be referred to an independent body that can conduct proceedings free from any “cloud of bias or prejudgment.”
The letter reiterated that the request is not meant to challenge the integrity of the office, but to ensure objectivity and fairness in the case.
