While some critics see this as simply a political strategy to distance the presidency from potential scandals, the focus should be less on Marcos’s self-serving motives and more on the significance of his unprecedented decision.
In politics, loyalty to family often takes precedence over justice. The Marcos administration has made a rare and commendable move by holding erring powerful politicians accountable, a bold step that should be recognized in the realm of criminal law.
The filing, albeit delayed, of non-bailable plunder charges against former Speaker Martin Romualdez, who is a cousin of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., by the Office of the Ombudsman is a positive development, especially during these rainy days and flooding.
The charges also named former Ako Bicol Partylist Representative Zaldy Co, private individual Joselyn Traguia Serenio and Felicito Cristobal Guevarra, president of Samchan Foreign Exchange Corp., as co-accused in the multibillion-peso flood control scandal.
For far too long, the political landscape has been interwoven with family connections, an environment in which misconduct is often overlooked in the name of loyalty. Having the courage to challenge a family member — especially one with considerable political power — is commendable.
President Marcos, who allowed the investigation to proceed, is sending a message that political figures, particularly presidential relatives, cannot operate above the law.
The charges against Romualdez are serious. Although he maintains his innocence, it is difficult to believe him, even by the most lenient standards.
As the Speaker of the House of Representatives and a cousin of the President, he held significant power, with many members of Congress seeking his favor for budget allocations. He was arrogant and believed he was irreplaceable until 2028, when his web of influence began to unravel.
People often blame him for every flood incident, largely due to the multibillion-peso flood control projects scandal involving alleged kickbacks, known as the “maleta” scandal.
As a former Speaker, he is seen as anything but clean. He is, in fact, considered by many to be one of the most responsible among the congressmen and senators implicated in the controversy. We will see if he follows through on his threat to disclose everything and to drag into litigation those involved in the conspiracy to defraud the nation.
While some critics see this as simply a political strategy to distance the presidency from potential scandals, the focus should be less on Marcos’s self-serving motives and more on the significance of his unprecedented decision.
Holding even the most powerful individuals within his inner circle accountable could have significant implications for governance. By establishing a precedent that even high-ranking officials are subject to scrutiny, this administration will prove that politicians are held to higher standards.
The President will undoubtedly face backlash from those who see this move as a betrayal of family loyalty — a common refrain in political families that often leads to a cozy complacency.
However, true leadership requires making difficult choices for the greater good, and Mr. Marcos may have just demonstrated that he is capable of doing so.
The political weather may change unpredictably, but clarity and integrity — however challenging — should always be the guiding light. By holding his cousin accountable, the President is actually redefining his legacy.
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