Martin Romualdez pleads not guilty for plunder

MANILA, Philippines — Former House Speaker Martin Romualdez on Wednesday pleaded not guilty for plunder over alleged P7.4 billion kickback during his arraignment at the Sandiganbayan Third Division. 

Romualdez, made the plea in the anti-graft court via teleconferencing while at a facility at the New Quezon City Jail.

The Leyte representative had been hospitalized for almost a week before being jailed.

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READ: Romualdez now behind bars

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On Sept. 7, an arrest warrant was issued by this court against Romualdez, former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co and two others for plunder involving alleged kickbacks worth P7.44 billion. 

READ: Martin Romualdez arrested in hospital for plunder

The amount allegedly came from contractors, persons and entities with interests in flood control, infrastructure and/or other government projects funded under the General Appropriations Acts for fiscal years 2022 to 2025, according to prosecutors.

Romualdez denies such accusations: “I maintain my innocence.”

“I have always said that I will face the charges against me and answer them before the proper court,” he said in a statement on Monday. “That has not changed.” /jpv