Class suit vs Romualdez, Zaldy Co, Vargas seeks P1B for flood victims
Class suit vs Romualdez, Zaldy Co, Vargas seeks P1B for flood victims

Flood of Justice UPAC Seeks P1B from Romualdez, Co, and Vargas
In a bold move to hold accountable those responsible for neglecting the needs of flood victims, the United People Against Corruption (UPAC) has filed a P1-billion class suit against former Speaker Martin Romualdez, resigned Congressman Elizaldy Zaldy Co, and Quezon City Rep. Patrick Michael Vargas.
A Case for Compensation
As reported by The Manila Times, UPAC's lawyer Ariel Inton explained that the civil case was filed instead of a criminal complaint to ensure that those responsible directly compensate the affected flood victims in District 5 of Quezon City, which covers Novaliches. We filed a class suit for damages of P1 billion against these officials for abuse of rights and unjust enrichment, Inton said. The people were directly affected by the extraordinary floods that could have been prevented if these officials performed their duties with honesty, justice, and good faith.
A Direct Approach to Justice
By choosing a civil case over criminal charges, UPAC aims to bypass the complexities of the judicial system and provide direct compensation to the flood victims. Inton emphasized that this approach will ensure that no kickbacks or red tape are involved, allowing the awarded money to directly benefit those affected.
Flood Control Failures Exposed
UPAC's investigation revealed that despite massive public funds allocated for flood control projects in Quezon City's fifth district, the area continues to experience severe and recurring flooding. According to reports from the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism, flood control allocations for this district reached P944.6 million per year, or a total of about P2.86 billion from 2023 to 2025.
A Man-Made Crisis
Bishop Kiko Billaser, UPAC spokesman, highlighted that the flooding in Novaliches is not just a natural disaster but a man-made crisis rooted in neglect and corruption. The people's question is simple Where are the projects and where is the money? Billaser asked.
A District-by-District Approach
UPAC plans to adopt a district-by-district approach, starting with Quezon City's fifth district, to encourage more complainants and witnesses to come forward and strengthen public participation in the pursuit of transparency and accountability.
Lessons for All
While the details of this case may seem unrelated to chess players in 2025, it highlights the importance of vigilance and holding those responsible accountable. In a world where transparency is crucial, UPAC's efforts serve as a reminder that justice can be served through innovative legal approaches.
Conclusion
The United People Against Corruption's P1-billion class suit against Romualdez, Co, and Vargas sends a strong message about the importance of accountability in government. By taking a direct approach to compensation, UPAC is ensuring that those affected by neglect and corruption receive the justice they deserve.