Romualdez deemed flight risk by DILG despite health issues

The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has deemed former Speaker Martin Romualdez a flight risk despite his existing health conditions. According to a report by Jun Veneracion on "24 Oras," Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla stated that Romualdez possesses sufficient means to escape, citing his ownership of "two private jets, three helicopters, and three yachts." Remulla added, "We will do everything ahead of time to make his containment here preventive." Romualdez, along with former Ako Bicol party-list Representative Zaldy Co, Romualdez's personal assistant Joselyn Tragua Serenio, and Samchan Foreign Exchange Corp. president Felicito Cristobal Guevarra, has been charged with plunder before the Sandiganbayan. The charges stem from allegations of P7.4 billion in kickbacks from flood control and other government projects between 2022 and 2025. The court, in issuing the arrest warrant for Romualdez and his co-accused, also issued a hold-departure order. Co is currently in Europe, and a request for an Interpol red notice has been made. Serenio and Guevarra are also at large. A lawyer for Romualdez has stated that he will face all allegations against him in connection with the alleged kickback scheme. "We respect the courts and the legal process. Representative Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez will face the allegations against him in accordance with law," Atty. Ade Fajardo, counsel for Romualdez, said in a statement. "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." Romualdez's camp has requested continued hospital confinement from the Sandiganbayan, citing a medical history related to cardiovascular health and brain conditions. Doctors have reported that moving him may pose a risk due to his medical conditions, including chest pains, coronary artery disease, and psychological anxiety. DILG Secretary Remulla confirmed that police doctors have assessed the former speaker and reached the same conclusion, emphasizing that his fraternity ties do not influence the decision.