SAN FERNANDO, Philippines — A multi-sectoral coalition in Pampanga has called for the resignation of Speaker Martin Romualdez, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s cousin and one of the country’s most powerful lawmakers, over his alleged role in the multi-billion peso flood control scandal that has shaken the political establishment.
The group, Concerned Citizens of Pampanga, accused Romualdez of being directly involved in the insertion of unprogrammed funds into flood control projects and of receiving kickbacks alongside other members of Congress and the Senate. “We cannot allow our money to be stolen through ghost projects while communities drown in real floods,” the group said in a statement.
The demand comes just days after President Marcos himself reportedly asked Romualdez to step down from his post. According to a highly placed source who requested anonymity, “Tinawagan niya ang kanyang pinsan na bumaba na sa puwesto.” As of press time, Malacañang has not issued an official statement.
The scandal over ghost and substandard flood control projects has engulfed the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). On Wednesday, DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon announced the filing of the first batch of criminal cases before the Office of the Ombudsman against several officials of the Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office and contractors, including Wawao Builders, Syms Construction Trading, and St. Timothy Construction Corporation, owned by the Discaya family.
Senate hearings on the matter have drawn national attention, with whistleblowers alleging systemic corruption in infrastructure allocations. Testimony has implicated lawmakers in manipulating budgets to favor contractors in exchange for kickbacks.
Catholic Church leaders have also joined the outcry. Cardinal Pablo David, the president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines and Archbishop of Pampanga, urged Filipinos not to remain silent. “Corruption is theft of the people’s money and betrayal of public trust,” he said.
The controversy has already spilled into the streets. A province-wide noise barrage is set for September 17 in Pampanga, to be followed by a Holy Mass and peaceful rally the next day at the Metropolitan Cathedral. Organizers said the demonstrations will press for a transparent investigation and accountability at the highest levels of government.
The unfolding scandal has exposed deep fissures within the ruling political alliance, pitting the President’s calls for reform against the entrenched influence of Congress leaders. With criminal charges mounting and public anger rising, analysts say the outcome could reshape the balance of power in Manila.