Politics · Philippines Bureau
Romualdez enters not guilty plea in P7.4-billion plunder case
Former House Speaker Martin Romualdez pleaded not guilty to plunder charges involving alleged kickbacks totaling P7.4 billion during his arraignment before the Sandiganbayan. The Leyte representative entered his plea via teleconference from the New Quezon City Jail facility.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — Former House Speaker Martin Romualdez denied plunder allegations at the anti-graft court on Wednesday, entering a not guilty plea to charges involving P7.4 billion in alleged kickbacks.
Romualdez appeared before the Sandiganbayan Third Division through teleconferencing while at a detention facility in New Quezon City. The Leyte representative's arraignment proceeded as scheduled despite his hospitalization at the facility.
The plunder case centers on allegations that Romualdez received substantial kickbacks during his tenure. His legal team signaled its intention to contest the charges, with the not guilty plea setting the stage for trial proceedings before the specialized court that handles graft and corruption cases.
The case adds to mounting legal challenges facing high-profile Philippine political figures. Romualdez maintains his innocence as the Sandiganbayan prepares for the next phase of litigation.