Authorities served an arrest warrant on former House Speaker
Martin Romualdez at Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan City on Monday,
September 7, placing the Leyte lawmaker under official detention status while
he remains hospitalized for a cardiovascular condition and unstable blood
pressure.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla confirmed that the warrant
had been formally served. He said police personnel would remain stationed
outside Romualdez’s hospital room while authorities wait for doctors to
determine when he can safely be brought before the court.
Remulla said Romualdez is now considered a person deprived
of liberty despite his continued confinement in the medical facility. Armed
police officers and other security personnel have been deployed outside his
room.
The development came only hours after the Office of the
Ombudsman filed a P7.44-billion plunder complaint against Romualdez and three
other individuals.
According to Remulla, Romualdez was taken to the hospital
Monday afternoon after suffering what he described as an anxiety attack. The
information was relayed to the interior secretary by Romualdez’s daughter.
Sandiganbayan issues arrest warrants
The Sandiganbayan Third Division acted swiftly on the case
after it was filed, determining that there was probable cause to issue arrest
warrants against Romualdez, former lawmaker Zaldy Co, Romualdez aide Joselyn
Tragua Serenio, and businessman Felicito Cristobal Guevarra.
The court said its finding was based on its examination of
the Ombudsman’s resolution, supporting documents and other records submitted in
connection with the case.
The issuance of the warrants does not amount to a
declaration of guilt. The Sandiganbayan emphasized that the accused remain
presumed innocent unless prosecutors ultimately establish their guilt beyond
reasonable doubt.
The warrants also state that no bail is recommended. In
addition, the court issued hold departure orders covering all four accused,
restricting their ability to leave the country.
Because plunder carries no provision for bail under the
circumstances alleged in the case, Romualdez is expected to be booked and
detained once his medical condition allows authorities to transfer him from the
hospital.
Co, meanwhile, remains at large after previously evading
arrest in connection with a separate but related plunder case. Reports have
indicated that he has been seeking asylum in Europe.
Police secure hospital as warrant is served
The warrant's execution proceeded despite Romualdez’s
hospitalization. By Monday evening, Remulla, Philippine National Police chief
Jose Melencio Nartatez, and personnel from the Criminal Investigation and
Detection Group-National Capital Region and the Eastern Police District had
gathered at Cardinal Santos Medical Center.
Authorities considered the possibility of a hospital arrest,
allowing the warrant to take effect without immediately moving Romualdez from
the facility.
Remulla said his medical confinement would not prevent law
enforcement from enforcing the court order. Instead, authorities will continue
monitoring his condition until he is medically fit to appear before the
Sandiganbayan.
The arrangement effectively places Romualdez under state
custody while medical professionals continue to oversee his treatment.
P7.44 billion in alleged financial benefits
The underlying case centers on allegations that Romualdez,
Co and their co-accused received at least P7.44 billion in commissions, shares,
kickbacks, commitments and other financial benefits on at least 15 occasions.
The Ombudsman alleges that the money originated from
contractors and other parties with interests in government-funded flood
control, infrastructure and related projects implemented through national
budgets from 2022 to 2025.
Prosecutors further alleged that portions of the money were
brought to properties owned, occupied by, or otherwise associated with
Romualdez. Serenio and other individuals allegedly acting on his behalf were
identified as recipients of some of the funds.
Romualdez and Co are accused of obtaining the alleged
financial benefits because of their respective public positions. Romualdez
currently represents Leyte in the House of Representatives, while Co previously
served as an Ako Bicol party-list lawmaker.
The Sandiganbayan said the proceedings will be governed by
the Constitution, relevant laws, the Rules of Court and the evidence presented
during the case.
The arrest warrants therefore mark the beginning of the judicial process, rather than its conclusion. The allegations will still have to be tested through court proceedings before any determination of criminal liability can be made.
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