Romualdez pleads not guilty to P7.44-B plunder charge

ASM, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
September 17, 2026

Photo courtesy: Sandiganbayan

Former House Speaker and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez pleaded not guilty on Wednesday, September 16, to a plunder charge linked to alleged kickbacks from government infrastructure projects.

Romualdez entered his plea before the Sandiganbayan Third Division through videoconference while detained at the New Quezon City Jail in Payatas.

The case involves allegations that Romualdez and his co-accused participated in a scheme involving approximately ₱7.44 billion in alleged kickbacks connected to government flood control projects. The allegations remain subject to court proceedings.

The Sandiganbayan had ordered Romualdez’s arrest on September 7 along with former Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co and two other accused. Co and the other co-accused remained at large as of the latest reports.

Romualdez was initially confined in hospitals before being transferred to the Quezon City jail after doctors from the Philippine General Hospital informed the court that he was clinically stable and no longer required continued confinement in an acute-care hospital.

On Wednesday, the Sandiganbayan also denied his request for hospital detention. The court cited the PGH medical findings in ruling that his health condition did not warrant continued hospital confinement.

His legal team said it intends to seek bail while the plunder case is pending.

The issue of Romualdez’s possible preventive suspension from public office also remains before the anti-graft court. He was given time to respond on why he should not be suspended while facing the case.

Romualdez remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt as the case proceeds before the Sandiganbayan.