Manila, Philippines – Criminal complaints are set to be filed against House Speaker Martin Romualdez and two other lawmakers over alleged ₱241 billion worth of insertions in the 2025 national budget.
The announcement was made at the Kamuning Bakery news forum by former House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, senatorial aspirants Atty. Jimmy Bondoc and Atty. Raul Lambino, Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, and the Citizens Crime Watch NGO.
Allegations of Budget Manipulation
The complaints, which will be filed at the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office on Monday, include charges of falsification of legislative documents against:
✔ House Speaker Martin Romualdez
✔ House Majority Leader Mannix Dalipe
✔ Former House Appropriations Chair Zaldy Co
✔ Other unnamed individuals
Alvarez pointed out that there were blank entries in the bicameral conference committee report sent via email, which were later filled in before the President signed the budget.
“We were all surprised when we saw blanks in the bicam report. But when the president signed it, it was complete,” Alvarez said.
He added that despite multiple requests, they have not received the enrolled bill from the House of Representatives.
Romualdez’s Camp Responds
Romualdez’s team stated that they will wait for the official complaint before issuing a formal response.
Political or Anti-Corruption Fight?
Alvarez and Bondoc, known allies of former President Rodrigo Duterte, denied that the move is politically motivated.
Bondoc, who is also running for the Senate, insisted the case is about institutional corruption and not a political war with the Marcoses.
“This has nothing to do with politics. There was clearly a crime committed,” Alvarez added.
Supreme Court Challenge
🔹 Former President Duterte and Davao Rep. Isidro Ungab previously raised concerns over discrepancies in the 2025 budget.
🔹 Senatorial aspirant Vic Rodriguez, Ungab, and others have asked the Supreme Court to declare the 2025 budget unconstitutional.
🔹 House Appropriations Acting Chair Stella Quimbo admitted there were blank items in the budget but claimed that funding had been identified before finalizing the report.
What’s Next?
With the ₱6.326-trillion 2025 budget already signed into law by President Bongbong Marcos, the upcoming legal battle could intensify the political landscape, especially as the 2025 elections approach.