MANILA, Philippines — Former House Speaker and Leyte 1st District Rep. Martin Romualdez was arrested Monday evening after authorities served an arrest warrant at Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan City, where he was reportedly confined for a cardiovascular ailment.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla and Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez went to the hospital to serve the warrant issued by the Sandiganbayan Third Division, hours after the Office of the Ombudsman filed a ₱7.44-billion plunder case against Romualdez and three others.
“After we read him his rights, he is now considered a person deprived of liberty,” Remulla said, adding that armed police were stationed outside Romualdez’s hospital room and in the hospital lobby.
Romualdez was brought to the hospital Monday afternoon after reportedly suffering a cardiovascular event, unstable blood pressure and an anxiety attack. Despite his confinement, authorities proceeded with serving the warrant.
The Ombudsman accused Romualdez, former Ako Bicol partylist Rep. Zaldy Co, Romualdez aide Joselyn Tragua Serenio, and businessman Felicito Cristobal Guevarra of allegedly receiving at least ₱7.44 billion in commissions, kickbacks and other financial benefits from contractors involved in flood control, infrastructure and other government projects from 2022 to 2025.
The Sandiganbayan also issued arrest warrants and hold-departure orders against the four accused. The court said it found probable cause after reviewing the Ombudsman’s resolution and supporting records, but stressed that the finding does not determine guilt and that the accused are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
Meanwhile, Co remains at large after reportedly leaving the country.
Romualdez’s lawyer said the former House speaker would face the allegations against him in accordance with the law.
The case is part of the government’s broader investigation into alleged corruption in flood control and other infrastructure projects, which has also implicated several former government officials, contractors and other individuals.
via Juan Rafael Bautista, Insight PH
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