Former House Speaker Martin Romualdez on Wednesday entered a not guilty plea to plunder charges over an alleged ₱7.44 billion kickback scheme during his arraignment before the Sandiganbayan Third Division.
Romualdez made the plea via teleconferencing from the New Quezon City Jail, where he was transferred after a week-long hospital confinement.
The anti-graft court issued arrest warrants on Sept. 7 against Romualdez, former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co, and two others.
Prosecutors alleged the amount came from contractors and entities with interests in flood control and infrastructure projects funded under the General Appropriations Acts from 2022 to 2025.
Romualdez denied the accusations, declaring: “I maintain my innocence. I have always said that I will face the charges against me and answer them before the proper court. That has not changed.” # (ZIA LUNA)
