Marcos rejects ‘political drama’ claims over Romualdez arrest

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has dismissed claims that the arrest of former House Speaker Martin Romualdez was merely political drama, calling the criticisms another attack aimed at putting him down.

Romualdez was arrested on a plunder charge over alleged irregularities involving P7.44 billion worth of flood control projects, following Marcos’ pronouncement in his recent State of the Nation Address that the cases against his cousin would proceed.

READ: PGH submits Romualdez medical report to court

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However, Romualdez was not immediately detained after he checked into a private hospital before the arrest warrant was served. Days later, he was transferred to the University of the Philippines–Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) for an independent medical examination following the order of Sandiganbayan.

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Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, India, Marcos was asked about criticisms that Romualdez was receiving special treatment and that his arrest was being used as political drama.

“Talk to him and see if he agrees with you? I don’t think. Of course, but this is political, right? It’s not really a comment on what’s happening. It’s not really a belief that it is, in fact, drama,” Marcos said.

“It’s kind of may masabi, kailangan may masabi para insultuhin ka o to put you down, or sabihin mali yung ginagawa mo. Basta ang sasabihin basically pinapatunay nila na wala kang kwentang tao,” the President continued.

(It’s kind of like they just need to say something—something to insult you, put you down, or say that what you’re doing is wrong. Basically, what they’re saying is that they’re trying to prove that you’re a worthless person.)

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He further said, “So they have to say that. So that’s what they’re saying. They’re not commenting about. That’s not a comment on the procedures of court. It’s just another attack. We get them a lot.”

Also on Sunday, the PGH submitted its medical examination report to the Sandiganbayan, which will determine whether Romualdez should remain confined at the hospital or be transferred to a regular detention facility.

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Marcos was scheduled to visit Romualdez at the hospital Monday morning, but the visit was postponed Sunday evening. No reason was immediately given. /dp