Ombudsman Jesus Crispin "Boying" Remulla said on Friday that they are "very close" to filing plunder charges against former House Speaker Martin Romualdez in connection with the multibillion-peso flood control scandal.

"We're very close to filing the plunder charges," Remulla said in a press conference.

He stressed that the Office of the Ombudsman is taking a careful and deliberate approach to ensure the case is backed by sufficient evidence.

"Maraming naiinip... pero dapat deliberate. 'Pag binuo 'yung kaso at finile, hindi siya basta-basta mawawasak ng counsel," he said.

Remulla noted that pursuing cases against influential individuals requires thorough preparation, saying those involved often have substantial resources and experienced legal teams.

According to the Ombudsman, the case remains under the fact-finding stage, with investigators continuing to gather evidence in preparation for the preliminary investigation.

"The cases are just about ready for preliminary investigation," Remulla said.

The statement follows earlier investigations conducted by the Office of the Ombudsman into allegations of corruption involving Romualdez and the implementation of flood control projects.

The Ombudsman did not provide a specific date or timeline for the filing of the case. The lawmaker will still be given an opportunity to submit a counter-affidavit.

Romualdez was earlier tagged as the alleged “mastermind” behind the flood control scheme, an allegation that the former House speaker has repeatedly denied.

Romualdez has repeatedly denied any involvement in the allegations.