Former Speaker Romualdez to be Committed to QC Jail for Plunder Charges

Former Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez is expected to be committed to the male dormitory of the Quezon City Jail in Payatas by midnight. This is according to Interior Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla, following the Sandiganbayan Third Division’s order on Monday committing the Leyte congressman to the city jail. Romualdez is facing plunder charges in connection with P7.2 billion in alleged kickbacks from government infrastructure projects. His co-accused, former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, Samchan Foreign Exchange Corp. president Felicito Guevarra, and Romualdez’s personal assistant Joselin Sereño are all at large. Other officials facing plunder before the Sandiganbayan who are detained at the QC Jail in Payatas include Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Rodante Marcoleta. Also in the said jail is former Anak Kalusugan party-list Rep. Michael Defensor. In a statement, Romualdez said he respects the Sandiganbayan’s decision. “I have always said that I will face the charges against me and answer them before the proper court. That has not changed,” he said. “I maintain my innocence. Haharapin ko ang kaso. Sasagutin ko ang mga paratang,” he added. (I maintain my innocence. I will face the case. I will answer the allegations.) He also extended his gratitude to the doctors. –NB, GMA News