Former House Speaker Martin Romualdez received around ₱1 billion in cash through more than 100 maletas or suitcases delivered to properties linked to him between 2023 and 2024, former security aide Rodante Orbillo testified before the Sandiganbayan on Oct. 15.
A former bodyguard of ex-Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co and one of the so-called “Maleta Boys,” Orbillo made the allegations under oath during Romualdez’s bail hearing in his ₱7.44-billion plunder case involving alleged kickbacks from government flood-control projects.
One of the delivery destinations was a property along McKinley Road in Forbes Park, Makati. The money reportedly came from Co’s properties in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, and Valle Verde in Pasig City. The witness said he personally participated in more than 10 deliveries.
“Nasa maleta po, bundled na. Maamoy niyo po iyong bagong pera. Nasusuya na nga po ako [sa amoy],” he testified.
“Bago po dalhin kay Cong Martin, bibilangin po muna [sa bahay ni Zaldy Co],” he added.
During questioning by Associate Justice Ronald Moreno, the former security aide also said he delivered cash-filled suitcases to Senate President Pro Tempore Tito Sotto, former senator Antonio Trillanes IV, and former Marikina Rep. Stella Quimbo between 2022 and 2024.
Sotto dismissed the allegation as an old story that did not deserve a response. Trillanes denied the claim, calling it “definitely not true,” while pointing to other witnesses who had withdrawn similar accusations. Quimbo had not publicly responded as of Oct. 16.
The witness also claimed he rejected offers ranging from ₱15 million to ₱20 million to withdraw his allegations. He also recounted conversations with former colleagues about alleged payments made to witnesses who recanted their statements.
The testimony forms part of the prosecution’s opposition to Romualdez’s bail petition, with additional hearings scheduled through Nov. 12.
