Calls Mount for Romualdez Resignation Amid Flood Control Corruption Probe

NEW YORK - Human rights lawyer Atty. Arnedo S. Valera has denounced what he calls a “grand conspiracy of plunder” involving billions of pesos in flood control funds, implicating top officials including Speaker Martin Romualdez, Congressman Zaldy Co, members of Congress, and senior Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials.

Valera, citing the testimony of whistleblower Discaya, said the scandal represents “a national betrayal of the highest order.” According to him, funds meant to protect Filipinos from deadly floods were instead pocketed by politicians, contractors, and middlemen.

“Instead of safety, the Filipino people were given suffering. Instead of protection, they were handed destruction,” Valera said in a statement. “This is not merely corruption—it is structural violence against the poor, the vulnerable, and the future of our nation.”

Valera also condemned the removal of Senator Marcoleta as Chair of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, describing it as “political manipulation” and “obstruction of justice in broad daylight.”

He urged immediate measures, including:

• A full-blown independent investigation with subpoena powers;

• Freezing of assets of Romualdez, Co, DPWH officials, and contractors both in the Philippines and abroad;

• Hold-departure orders against implicated officials;

• The resignation of Speaker Romualdez, whom Valera said has “fatally compromised” his moral authority;

• Immediate arrests and indictments, without regard for political dynasties or positions of power.

  
  

“The people demand full accountability, transparency, and justice,” Valera stressed. “No more cover-ups. No more manipulations. No more betrayal of the public trust.”

He warned that unless decisive action is taken, the scandal could further erode public confidence in government institutions.

“The swamp is deep and murky,” Valera declared, “but the Filipino people will not be silenced, deceived, or defeated. This is the line drawn in history: we will no longer tolerate corruption that robs lives, erodes democracy, and destroys the nation.”