Government Corruption

Martin Romualdez arrested for plunder over P7.44B kickback allegations

Former House Speaker Martin Romualdez was arrested by the Sandiganbayan on plunder charges for allegedly receiving P7.44 billion in kickbacks from flood control and infrastructure projects between 2022 and 2025, with Romualdez currently confined at Cardinal Santos Medical Center due to a cardiovascular event. Three other individuals, including former Rep. Zaldy Co, are accused alongside Romualdez, with Co remaining at large outside the country while two others have yet to surrender.