The Supreme Court has dismissed the petition of former House Speaker Martin Romualdez challenging the Ombudsman’s investigation and its pursuit of orders restricting his assets and foreign travel, as he remains detained over a ₱7.44-billion plunder case before the Sandiganbayan.
In its Nov. 4 decision, the Court ruled that the petition had become moot following the filing of the plunder case and Romualdez’s subsequent plea of not guilty. It likewise rejected his request for a restraining order to halt the investigation, citing the absence of exceptional circumstances that would warrant acting on his objections.
The Ombudsman sought restrictions on Romualdez’s assets and overseas travel in April. The Sandiganbayan issued a precautionary hold departure order while authorities pursued an asset freeze. Romualdez also questioned the use of evidence during the preliminary investigation.
On Sept. 7, prosecutors charged Romualdez, former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co, and two others, accusing them of collecting at least ₱7.44 billion in kickbacks through 15 or more transactions involving government-funded projects from 2022 to 2025.
The charge sheet described cash deliveries to properties linked to Romualdez and funds moved through companies and currency exchanges. The Sandiganbayan issued arrest warrants that day. Police arrested Romualdez at Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan. He was transferred to the New Quezon City Jail on Sept. 14 and pleaded not guilty on Sept. 16.
At bail hearings, former Co bodyguard Rodante Orbillo testified that over 100 suitcases containing about ₱1 billion were delivered to a Forbes Park residence linked to Romualdez in 2023 and 2024. He said he joined more than 10 deliveries and rejected up to ₱20 million to withdraw his testimony.
Former aide Gil Navidad recounted five suitcase deliveries. Driver Christopher Esquivel said each suitcase held ₱10 million to ₱17 million, citing information from Co’s staff. Former DPWH undersecretary Roberto Bernardo testified that Romualdez never requested projects or kickbacks from him.
Romualdez’s bail hearings continue ahead of trial proceedings scheduled for Nov. 23.
