President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has vehemently denied allegations that the recent arrest of his cousin, former House Speaker and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, in connection with a controversial P7.4-billion plunder case, was a “staged drama.”
Marcos asserted that those propagating claims of a theatrical arrest are merely engaging in political attacks against his administration, which do not accurately reflect the legitimate judicial processes currently underway.
Romualdez’s arrest followed the issuance of an official warrant by the Sandiganbayan, the Philippines’ anti-graft court, based on a case filed by the Office of the Ombudsman, which investigates and prosecutes government officials for corruption.
The P7.4-billion plunder case against Romualdez reportedly stems from alleged anomalies in the utilization of intelligence funds during his tenure as a local official, a significant development that has drawn national attention.
Currently, Romualdez remains at the Philippine General Hospital for independent medical examination, having been transferred from Cardinal Santos Medical Center, a common procedure for high-profile detainees requiring medical assessment.
Meanwhile, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla emphasized that the President never interfered in the arrest of the former House leader.
The Secretary acknowledged the personal pain the incident caused the President due to their close relationship but clarified that it represents a necessary fulfillment of government duty and law enforcement.