Former House Speaker and incumbent Leyte 1st District Representative Martin Romualdez, has been arrested at Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan City, hours after the Sandiganbayan issued a warrant against him over an alleged ₱7.44-billion flood control kickback scheme on Monday, September 7.
Said arrest was confirmed by Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla.
Sandiganbayan third division also issued warrants and hold departure orders against Romualdez’s co-accused: former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co, and private individuals Joselyn Tragua Serenio and Felicito Cristobal Guevarra.
The court resolution explicitly stated no bail is recommended.
The P7.4-B flood control scheme
The warrants stem from formal charges filed by the Office of the Ombudsman earlier Monday, September 7.
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla alleged that Romualdez received around ₱7.44 billion in kickbacks from Co and his associates through at least 15 cash deliveries between September 2022 and 2025.
The alleged scheme involved budget insertions, project allocations, and bribes tied to anomalous flood control projects, according to the Ombudsman.
The controversy has rocked the national government for more than a year, led to Romualdez’s resignation as House Speaker in 2025.
In his Fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) last July 2026, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the Ombudsman was preparing to file cases over flood control anomalies and vowed that those responsible would be held accountable, regardless of their political ties or relationship to him.
The Ombudsman’s case builds on the testimonies of multiple witnesses, including former bodyguards and security aides of Co. In 2025, witnesses publicly alleged that they delivered suitcases of cash to Romualdez’s residence in Makati City.
'No special treatment'
Romualdez's camp has consistently denied the accusations as political smears.
"Representative Romualdez asks for no special treatment," his legal counsel, Ade Fajardo, said in a statement on Monday.
"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."
Fajardo had also questioned the credibility of key witnesses, including former security consultant Orly Guteza, who reportedly recanted his testimony. The Ombudsman maintained that recantations do not automatically invalidate earlier sworn statements.
Lakas-CMD likewise called for due process and impartiality, saying Romualdez would face the allegations head-on.
Romualdez remains at Cardinal Santos Medical Center pending hospital clearance before being brought to the Sandiganbayan, with possible detention at the New Quezon City Jail in Payatas, the designated detention facility for flood control-related cases.