Arrest warrant issued vs Romualdez, Co, 2 others over plunder

MANILA, Philippines — The Sandiganbayan Third Division on Monday issued an arrest warrant against former House Speaker and incumbent Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co and two others over their plunder case. Once arrested, they would stay behind bars since plunder is a non-bailable offense. Earlier, the Office of the Ombudsman filed the information which contains the formal charges against Romualdez. READ: Martin Romualdez charged with plunder According to the information containing the formal charges filed by prosecutors before the anti-graft court, Romualdez and Co were charged for “repeatedly receiving, directly or indirectly, on at least fifteen (15) occasions, commissions, shares, percentages. kickbacks, ‘commitments’ and/or other pecuniary benefits” worth at least P7.44 billion. Aside from Co, also charged were Romualdez’s staff Jocelyn Sereño and a certain Felecito Guevarra, president of a money changing firm. READ: Probe of Romualdez, Co tags firms, ‘maleta’ use “The issuance of a warrant of arrest signifies only that, after personally evaluating the records, the Court found probable cause to believe that the accused committed the offense charged,” the Third Division said in a statement. “Probable cause for the issuance of a warrant of arrest exists when the facts and circumstances alleged by the prosecution would lead a reasonably discreet and prudent person to believe that an offense has been committed by the person sought to be arrested,” the court said. “It does not constitute a determination of guilt.” Aside from the arrest warrant, the Third Division also issued a hold departure order against all accused. /gsg