NEW LOOK, SAME CASE: PNP RELEASES ROMUALDEZ MUGSHOT

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has released the official mugshot of former House Speaker and incumbent Leyte 1st District Representative Martin Romualdez, a day after authorities arrested him in connection with a ₱7.4-billion plunder case involving alleged irregularities in government flood-control projects.

Romualdez was served an arrest warrant on September 7, 2026, at Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan City, where he was confined after experiencing health concerns. He subsequently underwent the police booking procedure at the hospital.

The Office of the Ombudsman filed the plunder complaint against Romualdez, former Ako Bicol party-list lawmaker Zaldy Co, Romualdez's former personal assistant Joselyn Serenio, and money changer Felicito Guevarra. Prosecutors allege that the respondents benefited from kickbacks and other payments connected to flood-control and infrastructure projects from 2022 to 2025.

Romualdez's lawyer, Atty. Ade Fajardo, said the former Speaker would face the allegations through the legal process and emphasized that criminal liability must ultimately be determined by the evidence presented in court.

The Sandiganbayan has custody of Romualdez while questions surrounding his medical condition and detention are addressed. The issuance of an arrest warrant, the court has stressed, means that it found probable cause to believe an offense was committed; it does not by itself establish guilt.

Romualdez has maintained his innocence as the case proceeds in court.