Martin Romualdez is now in jail
Leyte Representative and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez stated on Monday that he would abide by the Sandiganbayan’s order to transfer him to the Quezon City Jail, while firmly asserting his innocence.
On September 7, 2026, the Office of the Ombudsman filed a P7.44-billion plunder complaint against Romualdez, including former congressman Zaldy Co, and others in connection with a multi-billion flood control project kickback scheme.
After that, the Sandiganbayan Third Division issued a warrant, which was served to Romualdez while he was confined at the Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan City.
The Congressman’s team cited that he has medical needs for continuous cardiac monitoring following a 2024 angioplasty.
However, on September 14, 2026, the Sandiganbayan has released an order for Rep. Martin Romualdez to be transferred to jail, based on that report from GMA News Online.
Romualdez did not oppose to this, but he maintained that he is innocent. “I have always said that I will face the charges against me and answer them before the proper court. That has not changed. I maintain my innocence. Haharapin ko ang kaso. Sasagutin ko ang mga paratang,” the lawmaker said.
Romualdez expressed his appreciation to Cardinal Santos Medical Center and the Philippine General Hospital. He added that he would remain compliant with his physicians’ medical recommendations.
“This is a difficult moment for me and my family. But I will face the days ahead with dignity, with faith in God, and with confidence in the truth,” the lawmaker said.
On Saturday morning, authorities transferred Romualdez from Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan City to the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) in Manila.
Previously, President Bongbong Marcos‘s administration stated that evidence must prevail in the case that his maternal cousin is facing right now.
