MANILA — The Sandiganbayan has ordered the arrest of former House Speaker and incumbent Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez over a P7.44-billion plunder case involving alleged kickbacks from flood control and other government projects.

The anti-graft court’s Third Division issued warrants of arrest on Monday, September 7, against Romualdez and his co-accused: former Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co, Joselyn Tragua Serenio, and Felicito Cristobal Guevarra. No bail was recommended.

The court also issued hold departure orders against all four accused.

The warrants were issued hours after the Office of the Ombudsman filed the plunder case before the Sandiganbayan. The court said it found probable cause after reviewing the Ombudsman’s resolution and the supporting evidence and records submitted with the case.

Prosecutors accused Romualdez, Co and their co-accused of receiving at least P7.44 billion in alleged commissions, kickbacks and other financial benefits on at least 15 occasions from 2022 to 2025.

The money allegedly came from contractors and other entities with interests in flood control, infrastructure and other government projects funded under the national budget. Prosecutors alleged that some of the money was delivered to properties owned, occupied by or associated with Romualdez.

The Sandiganbayan stressed that the issuance of an arrest warrant means the court found probable cause to believe the accused committed the offense charged, but does not constitute a finding of guilt.

Romualdez’s lawyer, Ade Fajardo, earlier said the lawmaker would face the allegations through the legal process and asked that the case be decided based on evidence and due process.

Romualdez has repeatedly denied wrongdoing.

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