TARLAKENYO — From the halls of Congress to a hospital bed behind bars.
Former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, one of the country’s most powerful politicians and a cousin of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., was arrested Monday, September 7, at Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan City — not in a courtroom, not at his office, but in a hospital bed, allegedly due to a heart condition.
Convenient timing, critics say. But for Romualdez, it’s a medical emergency. Either way, the law caught up with him.
The arrest came hours after the Office of the Ombudsman filed a P7.44-billion plunder charge against him, making the case the biggest corruption scandal to hit the administration of his cousin, the President.
Romualdez now faces a non-bailable offense that could send him to prison for life.
Hospital Arrest
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Romualdez was arrested at the San Juan hospital after suffering “a cardiovascular event, unstable blood pressure, and an anxiety attack.”
The former speaker’s lawyers have requested that he remain at the hospital due to his “documented cardiac history,” diabetes, and primary hypothyroidism.
Romualdez’s legal team stressed that he seeks no exemption from arrest or custody, only necessary medical accommodation that can be verified by government physicians.
The Allegations
Authorities allege that Romualdez and Co “repeatedly received” commissions, kickbacks, and other benefits on at least 15 occasions from contractors involved in flood control and infrastructure projects funded under the national budget from 2022 to 2025.
The P7.44 billion was allegedly “laundered” through shell or dummy corporations and conduits, according to the case information filed before the anti-graft court.
The Office of the Ombudsman said it took time to build the case to ensure strong evidence, with more cases expected to follow.
‘Will Face Allegations’
Romualdez’s lawyer Ade Fajardo said his client respects the legal process and will face all allegations in court.
“We recognize the public interest surrounding this case. But ultimately, criminal liability must be determined by the evidence presented in court, under the rules and safeguards of our justice system,” Fajardo said.
The lawyer added that Romualdez asks for no special treatment, only the same due process and fair hearing guaranteed to every Filipino.
President’s Response
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Romualdez’s first cousin, has yet to issue a formal reaction. However, Malacañang said it respects the Ombudsman’s action as the filing of cases falls within its mandate.
In his July State of the Nation Address, Marcos acknowledged his cousin could face arrest, saying: “Painful as it may be for us, we have to do what is right. I am not the President of my family. I am the President of the Philippines.”
Malacañang earlier urged the public not to be impatient with the investigation, saying Marcos was determined to catch the “big fishes” in the corruption scandal.
More Cases Expected
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said more cases will be filed against Romualdez, including additional plunder and money laundering charges.
“The process was not easy,” Remulla said, clarifying that prosecutors have yet to use evidence from former Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan, who was recently discharged as a state witness.
The Sandiganbayan’s Third Division has issued a hold departure order against all accused, preventing them from leaving the country while the case proceeds.
