The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said it would be best if former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, the alleged “central figure” in the sweeping flood control scandal, surrenders to authorities.

“Well, it’s better na mag-surrender kaysa sa magkaroon pa ng incident na magkaroon pa ng arrest,” NBI Director Atty. Melvin Matibag told reporters during an interview on Monday, September 7.

“As I will always say, we have no option but to enforce the warrant. We will be willing to serve the warrant pagka napunta sa amin ‘yung warrant,” he earlier stated.

Matibag said Romualdez’s camp has not made any indication that the lawmaker is considering voluntarily surrendering, but the bureau will be ready to receive them at any time, reported RH 15 Jecelle Ricafort.

“(The) NBI is open 24 hours, kung gustong sumurender sa amin, and process him and present him to the court,” he earlier stated.

Romualdez remains in the country, although whether he is currently in Leyte has not been confirmed.

Romualdez and resigned Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co have been accused of colluding to amass ₱7.4 billion from 2022 to 2025.

Part of the flood control kickbacks the two accepted were delivered by the “maleta boys,” the self-confessed bagmen who allegedly worked under Co.

Romualdez’s camp has repeatedly denied these allegations, saying the former speaker is ready to face them and is seeking no preferential treatment, only the due process guaranteed to every Filipino.

During President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA), he backed the Office of the Ombudsman’s move to file multiple cases against his cousin, Romualdez.