Court of Appeals Orders Freeze on Assets of Former House Speaker Martin Romualdez

The Court of Appeals ordered the freezing of assets belonging to former House speaker Martin Romualdez, the Office of the Ombudsman confirmed on April 25, 2026. Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla confirmed to Rappler that Romualdez was the legislator referenced in the Anti-Money Laundering Council's report.

The Anti-Money Laundering Council stated on April 24 that the court found probable cause linking the assets to alleged violations of plunder, graft under Republic Act No. 3019, and direct and indirect bribery.

The freeze order affects 25 bank accounts and 10 insurance policies under Romualdez's name. It also includes 27 bank accounts, 10 insurance policies, and one investment account under an unnamed business associate, as well as two bank accounts, seven property accounts, and one real estate property under an unnamed corporate entity.

The Anti-Money Laundering Council described the freeze order as a provisional remedy to preserve assets potentially connected to unlawful activities before a forfeiture case is filed.

The Anti-Money Laundering Council reported filing 12 petitions for civil forfeiture with Regional Trial Courts as of April 24, in connection with flood control corruption. Romualdez faces complaints before the Ombudsman for plunder, graft, money laundering, and direct and indirect bribery related to a kickback scheme involving flood control projects, with an alleged amount of P56 billion.

On April 22, the Sandiganbayan 7th Division approved a precautionary hold departure order against Romualdez, preventing him from leaving the country. Remulla stated that Romualdez was still in the Philippines as of April 23.