The storm isn’t letting up.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Thursday revealed that the Department of Justice (DOJ) will seek freeze orders on the assets of four big names in politics: former Sen. Nancy Binay, Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co, former Senate President Chiz Escudero, and former Speaker Martin Romualdez.
These personalities, he said, will also be placed under an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO) after being linked to alleged kickbacks from controversial flood control projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
“They’ve been added to the request for freeze orders, as well as the ILBO,” Remulla told reporters in an ambush interview.
Remulla stressed that this case will not spare anyone.
“We will have to protect the interests of the state. This is a difficult case. But we’re making it clear—there will be no sacred cows here.”
He added, “Everyone who needs to be included in the ILBO, in the freeze orders, and in the cases—we will include them.”
Witness Protection on the Table
Remulla confirmed that the formal request has yet to be filed, but assured it will be submitted “very soon.”
He also revealed that Orly Guteza, a former security aide who claimed he personally delivered bags of cash to Romualdez’s residence, may qualify for the DOJ’s Witness Protection Program.
“I monitored his testimony. Since he did not participate in the crime, he can be admitted as a state witness,” Remulla said during the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing.
Kickbacks and Cash Deliveries
The scandal erupted after former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo told the Senate panel that several high-ranking politicians were allegedly involved in questionable flood control projects.
He tagged Escudero, Binay, former senator Bong Revilla, Zaldy Co, and Education Undersecretary Trygve Olaivar.
Another witness, Orly Guteza, testified that he personally delivered luggage filled with money to the homes of Romualdez and Co.
Denials from Top Officials
Binay, Escudero, Revilla, and Co have all denied the accusations against them.
Romualdez, cousin of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., was visibly outraged. He dismissed the testimony as fabricated and politically motivated.
“I was deeply surprised by the allegation. The so-called testimony is nothing but a desperate attempt to link me to kickbacks where none exist. I have never received or benefited from kickbacks,” Romualdez said.
He also pointed out a glaring flaw in the witness’ story, noting that his McKinley property—where money was allegedly delivered—had been under renovation and unoccupied since early 2024.
“False in one thing, false in everything,” Romualdez declared, vowing to fight back against the accusations.
