Former House Speaker Martin Romualdez entered a not-guilty plea on Wednesday, September 16, during his arraignment before the Sandiganbayan 3rd Division regarding a P7.44-billion plunder case tied to a flood control scheme, Romualdez, who is a cousin of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., was designated by the Office of the Ombudsman as the alleged central figure in the graft scheme for allegedly receiving kickbacks.
Arraignment Details and Online Attendance
Arraignment marks the formal criminal proceeding phase that occurs after an arrest or surrender, during which the court reads the case details to the accused and requests a plea of either guilty or not-guilty. A guilty plea typically moves the case straight to conviction, often carrying a lower sentence, whereas a not-guilty plea advances the matter to trial, as happened in this instance. Although Romualdez was not physically present at the courtroom, the anti-graft court permitted him to attend the session online, an arrangement accessible to defendants provided the court grants authorization.
Detention and Hospital Transfer
Authorities arrested Romualdez on September 7, the same day the plunder charges were filed. Police were initially unable to bring him directly to a detention facility because he was confined to a hospital following a filed request for confinement. He spent time at Cardinal Santos Medical Center before transferring to the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) later that week.
Did You Know? The court directed its clerk to personally travel to the New Quezon City Jail—where Romualdez is detained—to read the information against him, while select members of the media observed the proceedings in person.
Medical Evaluation and Transfer to Payatas
Following his admission, the Sandiganbayan 3rd Division instructed PGH to conduct an independent medical examination to assess Romualdez’s health status. On September 14, PGH medical director Gerardo Legaspi reported that attending doctors determined the former speaker’s condition was stable and that he no longer required hospital confinement. Promptly following that medical assessment, the chamber ordered Romualdez moved from PGH to Payatas, which serves as the designated detention facility for individuals facing flood control-related charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the specific charge against Martin Romualdez?
He was charged with plunder on September 7 for allegedly receiving kickbacks in connection with a flood control scheme.
Where is Romualdez being detained?
Following medical clearance at the Philippine General Hospital, the court ordered his transfer to Payatas, the designated detention facility for accused individuals facing flood control-related cases.
How did Romualdez attend his arraignment?
He attended the proceedings online after the Sandiganbayan 3rd Division permitted him to join remotely, while the court clerk traveled to the New Quezon City Jail to read the information against him.