Romualdez respects jail transfer order: I’m innocent, I will face my case

September 14, 2026

By ABOGADO.COM.PH Staff

Former Speaker Martin Romualdez said he respects the Sandiganbayan’s ruling ordering his transfer to the Quezon City Jail Male Dormitory and added that he would face his cases as he maintains that he is innocent of the allegations in his plunder case.

The court ordered Romualdez moved to the jail facility from the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital, where he was examined by doctors who said his condition is stable and does not require a continued hospital stay.

“I have always said that I will face the charges against me and answer them before the proper court. That has not changed. I maintain my innocence,” Romualdez said in a statement.

He also said his situation is difficult for him and his family, but he believes the truth will come out.

“But I will face the days ahead with dignity, with faith in God, and with confidence in the truth,” he said.

He thanked his doctors at the Cardinal Santos Medical Center and the UP-PGH for their care and professional judgment and said he would continue to heed medical advice.

Romualdez earlier filed a motion requesting hospital detention, citing his cardiac history and other illnesses.

He was charged with plunder last week along with former lawmaker Elizaldy Co in relation to the alleged receipt of P7.4 billion in kickbacks related to flood control and other government infrastructure projects.

Also charged were Romualdez’s personal aide Joselyn Serenio and businessman Felicito Guevarra.