Photo courtesy of Philippine News Agency (PNA).
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said his office is preparing to file plunder charges against former House Speaker Martin Romualdez and former Senate President Chiz Escudero in connection with alleged irregularities linked to the national budget.
Remulla said the complaint, which includes allegations of conspiracy, may be filed within May as investigators finalize the case.
He said the planned charges are tied in several ways to the ongoing probe into the flood control controversy, with more individuals expected to be implicated.
According to the Ombudsman, the case centers on how the national budget was crafted, deliberated, and implemented, particularly within both chambers of Congress.
Remulla noted that the investigation could extend to earlier leadership, including the term of former House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco, as authorities review past transactions and decisions.
He said testimonies gathered during previous Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearings were being examined as part of the case buildup. He added that investigators believe the available information points to a coordinated scheme involving multiple actors.
The Ombudsman also said more officials, including those from government agencies, may be included in the complaint as evidence is consolidated.
Romualdez and Escudero had earlier denied allegations linking them to questionable budget insertions, as authorities continue to complete the case before formal filing.
