The Sandiganbayan has ordered a 90-day preventive suspension against Leyte 1st District Representative Ferdinand Martin Romualdez in connection with pending cases filed against him before the anti-graft court.
According to the court’s resolution, the preventive suspension is a standard legal measure under Section 13 of Republic Act No. 3019, also known as the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
The Sandiganbayan clarified that the suspension is not a penalty or a final judgment on the cases but a statutory provision intended to prevent a public official from using the powers and influence of office while court proceedings are ongoing.
Under the order, Romualdez will be temporarily barred from performing his duties as representative of Leyte’s 1st District and from carrying out other official functions associated with his office in the House of Representatives for a period of three months.
The anti-graft court said a copy of the directive has already been transmitted to the House of Representatives for immediate implementation of the preventive suspension.
Meanwhile, Romualdez’s camp said it respects the legal process but is preparing to pursue appropriate legal remedies, including the possible filing of a motion for reconsideration regarding the court’s directive.