The Court of Appeals (CA) has ordered the freezing of assets belonging to former Speaker Martin Romualdez, according to confirmation from the Office of the Ombudsman on Saturday, April 25.
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla confirmed that Romualdez is the lawmaker referred to by the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) as the subject of the freeze order. The AMLC had previously reported on Friday that the order targeted an incumbent legislator, a corporate entity, and a business associate.
Investigation into Flood Control Anomalies
The legal action stems from alleged irregularities involving flood control projects. The AMLC stated that the appellate court found probable cause to link the assets to alleged violations of direct and indirect bribery, graft under Republic Act No. 3019, and plunder.
Romualdez is currently facing complaints before the Ombudsman for money laundering, graft, plunder, and bribery. He is described as the “purported mastermind” of a kickback scheme involving ghost flood control projects, with the Ombudsman stating the amount in question reached P56 billion.
Details of Frozen Assets
The freeze order is a provisional remedy designed to preserve assets with a probable connection to unlawful activity before a forfeiture case is filed. The order covers a wide range of financial holdings:
- Under Romualdez: 10 insurance policies and 25 bank accounts.
- Under an unnamed business associate: 27 bank accounts, 10 insurance policies, and one investment account.
- Under an unnamed corporate entity: Two bank accounts, seven property accounts, and one real estate property.
Travel Restrictions and Legal Status
Beyond the financial freeze, Romualdez’s movements are also restricted. On Wednesday, April 22, the Sandiganbayan 7th Division approved a precautionary hold departure order, which bars him from leaving the country.
Ombudsman Remulla noted that as of Thursday, April 23, the former speaker remained in the Philippines. Meanwhile, the AMLC reported that as of Friday, April 24, it had already filed 12 petitions for civil forfeiture with the Regional Trial Courts regarding the flood control corruption.
Given the current trajectory of the investigation, the government may likely move forward with the 12 pending civil forfeiture petitions to permanently seize the frozen assets if the allegations of plunder and graft are proven in court.
Frequently Asked Questions
What specific assets of Martin Romualdez were frozen?
The Court of Appeals ordered the freezing of 25 bank accounts and 10 insurance policies registered under Romualdez’s name.
Why were the assets frozen?
The assets were frozen due to probable cause linking them to alleged violations of plunder, direct and indirect bribery, and graft under Republic Act No. 3019, specifically in connection with anomalies in flood control projects.
Is Martin Romualdez allowed to leave the Philippines?
No. The Sandiganbayan 7th Division approved a precautionary hold departure order on April 22, 2026, barring him from leaving the country.
How should the government balance the use of provisional remedies like freeze orders with the presumption of innocence in high-profile corruption cases?
