The Sandiganbayan Third Division has ordered the arrest of Leyte Rep. and former Speaker Martin Romualdez in connection with the P7.4 billion plunder charge the Office of the Ombudsman filed over alleged flood control project kickbacks.
Plunder is a non-bailable offense.
Also ordered arrested were Romualdez’s co-accused former lawmaker Elizaldy Co, Romualdez’s personal aide Joselyn Serenio, and foreign exchange and remittance company president Felicito Guevarra.
The court issued a hold departure order against them as well.
The warrant and HDO were issued after the court found probable cause in the case.
“The issuance of a warrant of arrest signifies only that, after personally evaluating the records, the Court found probable cause to believe that the accused committed the offense charged,” the Third Division said.
It added that this is not a determination of guilt and that the accused are presumed innocent.
It reminded all officers of the court of their duty to uphold the administration of justice, ensure compliance with court orders, and to act with fairness, order, dignity, and full respect for the rule of law.
It also called on all parties to cooperate with the proceedings.
The Third Division is composed of Associate Justices Karl Miranda, the chairperson, Ronald Moreno, and Fritz Bryn Anthony Delos Santos.
The case stemmed from allegations that Romualdez and Co received P7.4 billion in “commissions, shares, percentages, kickbacks, or commitments” from contractors, persons, and entities with interest in flood control, infrastructure and other government projects.
Romualdez, the President’s cousin, has denied the allegations and called for due process and fair treatment.
Co is believed to be in France, where he has applied for asylum after being implicated in the flood control corruption controversy.