President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has rejected claims that the arrest of his cousin, former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, was staged or part of a political drama, saying such accusations were attacks against his administration rather than criticism of the judicial process.

Speaking to reporters on Sunday after attending the 18th BRICS Summit in India, Marcos was asked about allegations that Romualdez was receiving special treatment following his arrest.

The President dismissed the claims, saying critics were looking for ways to undermine him and his administration.

Marcos said the accusations should not be confused with legitimate commentary on the court proceedings involving Romualdez, stressing that the case should be handled through the proper judicial process.

Romualdez was arrested on September 7 after the Sandiganbayan issued a warrant in connection with a P7.44-billion plunder case filed by the Office of the Ombudsman. The case involves allegations that Romualdez and his co-accused received billions of pesos in kickbacks linked to flood control and other government projects from 2022 to 2025.

The arrest warrant was served while Romualdez was confined at Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan City. Police subsequently placed him under custody and submitted his booking documents and other records to the Sandiganbayan.

Romualdez has denied wrongdoing. His camp has said he intends to face the charges and has sought due process, while maintaining that he should not receive either special treatment or unfair treatment because of his relationship with the President.

The Sandiganbayan has stressed that the issuance of an arrest warrant only means the court found probable cause to proceed with the case and does not constitute a finding of guilt. Romualdez and his co-accused remain presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.

Marcos has repeatedly maintained that individuals implicated in alleged corruption should be held accountable regardless of their political or family connections while also being afforded due process.

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