Martin Romualdez arrested over P7.4-B flood control plunder case

Abi Sarabia M., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
September 08, 2026

Photo courtesy: House of Representatives of the Philippines

MANILA, Philippines — Former House Speaker and Leyte 1st District Rep. Martin Romualdez was arrested on Monday, September 7, after the Sandiganbayan issued a warrant against him in connection with a P7.4-billion plunder case involving alleged kickbacks from government projects.

Authorities served the arrest warrant on Romualdez at Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan City, where he had been admitted earlier that day. Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Romualdez underwent booking procedures and is now considered a person deprived of liberty.

Police officers have been stationed at the hospital while Romualdez remains under medical care. Remulla said doctors were monitoring him for a cardiovascular condition, unstable blood pressure and an anxiety attack. Authorities said he would be presented before the court once medically cleared.

The Office of the Ombudsman filed the plunder case earlier Monday against Romualdez, former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, Romualdez aide Joselyn Tragua Serenio and Felicito Cristobal Guevarra, president of Samchan Foreign Exchange Corporation.

Prosecutors alleged that Romualdez and Co repeatedly received commissions, kickbacks and other benefits amounting to at least P7.4 billion in connection with flood control, infrastructure and other government projects funded from 2022 to 2025.

The Sandiganbayan Third Division issued warrants of arrest against the four accused after finding probable cause to proceed with the case. The court also issued hold-departure orders against them.

Romualdez has said he will face the allegations through the legal process and maintained that criminal liability must be determined based on evidence presented in court.