Paper trail anchors DPWH's Romualdez referral, says Dizon
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Public Works and Highways said its referral of former House Speaker Martin Romualdez to the Office of the Ombudsman was built on a documentary trail of contracts, project records and testimony tied to a broader probe into alleged flood control anomalies.
Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon said the November 2025 referral formed part of a wider investigation involving projects linked to contractor Sunwest Inc., a firm founded by fugitive former lawmaker Zaldy Co.
In an interview on ANC’s “Headstart," Dizon said the submission included “a collection of various documentary and testimonial evidence” covering multiple infrastructure contracts, including projects in Romualdez’s home province and district.
“We have several documents… we can make a referral document and submit it to the Ombudsman so they can gather more evidence and build a case,” he said in mixed English and Filipno on the show on Wednesday, April 29.
Dizon said the case against Co predates the November referral, noting that an earlier complaint was filed with the Ombudsman in September 2025 involving a flood control project in Oriental Mindoro.
That case has since led to Co’s indictment, the issuance of an arrest warrant and the cancellation of his passport, he said, adding that Co is now considered a fugitive in that case.
The November referral, he said, expanded the scope to include Romualdez and possible links emerging from project records and contractor involvement.
The submission also incorporated testimony from Senate Blue Ribbon hearings on the flood control program.
Appropriations role cited
Dizon pointed to Romualdez’s position as speaker during the period under review, including his role in appointing Co to lead a powerful House committee that decides on the public purse.
“Martin Romualdez was speaker. He was the one who chose former congressman Zaldy Co to become head of the Committee on Appropriations… and this was the period that all this happened,” he said.
Dizon said the referral raises questions tied to Romualdez's leadership and oversight during the implementation of the projects.
Dizon also cited the Ombudsman’s recent move to freeze bank accounts and insurance policies linked to Romualdez as an indication that the case is being taken seriously.
“Itong pag-freeze ng accounts, hindi po ito moro-moro. Hindi po biro iyan,” he said. (The freezing of accounts is not for show. This is serious.)
He said the development aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to pursue accountability even against political allies, in this case, the president's first cousin.
“Walang sisinuhin, walang sasantuhin,” Dizon said, referring to the president’s stance. (No one will be spared, no one will be favored.)
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