Romualdez Pleads Not Guilty to Plunder Charges

MANILA, Philippines — Former Speaker Martin Romualdez appeared before the Sandiganbayan via videoconference and pleaded not guilty to charges of plunder at his arraignment on Wednesday. During the proceedings, the court also asked him to explain in 10 days why he should not be placed under preventive suspension as Leyte congressman, in compliance with the Sandiganbayan ruling that public officials charged with offenses punishable by imprisonment of six years or more shall be suspended. Under Presidential Decree No. 1606, as amended by Republic Act No. 8249, the Sandiganbayan is mandated to order the suspension of an accused public officer. Romualdez, who stepped down as Speaker in October 2023, is still the representative of the first district of Leyte. He was accused of plunder, a non-bailable offense, for allegedly receiving P8.7 million in kickbacks from a contractor. President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. earlier said that he would not intervene in the plunder case filed against Romualdez. “I will not intervene. That is the rule of law,” Marcos said in a statement released by Malacañang. He added that if Romualdez is found guilty, he should be punished. “If he is found guilty, then he should be punished. That is the rule of law,” the President reiterated. Marcos said that he does not want to be perceived as interfering in the judicial process. “I am not the one to judge. That is the job of the court,” he said. Romualdez’s lawyer, Jose T. Manila, said that his client would prove his innocence. “We are confident that Mr. Romualdez will be vindicated,” Manila said. He added that Romualdez has always been committed to public service and has never engaged in any corrupt practices. “He has always been committed to public service and has never engaged in any corrupt practices,” Manila said. Romualdez’s accuser, a former contractor, claimed that the former Speaker received P8.7 million in kickbacks from him. However, Manila said that the contractor’s claims are false and that his client has no knowledge of any kickbacks. “The contractor’s claims are false and that Mr. Romualdez has no knowledge of any kickbacks,” Manila said. He added that the contractor’s motive is to extort money from Romualdez. “The contractor’s motive is to extort money from Mr. Romualdez,” Manila said. Romualdez’s arraignment was held on Wednesday, and the court has ordered him to explain within 10 days why he should not be placed under preventive suspension. The case is still ongoing, and the court will hear further evidence and arguments from both sides. Romualdez is a prominent figure in Philippine politics. He served as Speaker of the House of Representatives from 2019 to 2023. He is also a member of the Lakas-CMD party. He is a graduate of the University of the Philippines Diliman with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. He is married to Yedda Marie Romualdez, who is also a member of the House of Representatives. Romualdez is a wealthy businessman and a prominent member of the Romualdez political clan, which has a strong influence in Leyte province.