Sandiganbayan hands Romualdez 90-day suspension over plunder case

Former House Speaker Martin Romualdez was issued another 90-day preventive suspension order by the Sandiganbayan's Third Division.

According to the ruling released Tuesday, Nov. 10, the tribunal instructed Romualdez to refrain from discharging the duties of his position or any public office for 90 days once notified.

“The court rendered a resolution directing the suspension pendente lite of former Speaker Ferdinand Martin Gomez Romualdez for a term of 90 days upon receipt of the order,” Sandiganbayan Clerk of Court Dennis Pulma stated.

The anti-graft court instructed its Clerk of Court to transmit a copy of the ruling to the House Speaker via the Office of the Secretary General. The House is likewise required to report any step taken within five days after receiving the directive.

Romualdez was arrested on Sept. 7 over a P7.44 billion plunder charge connected to his alleged involvement in anomalous flood control projects. He was served the warrant at Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan City, where he was confined prior to his arrest. 

The former House Speaker has been detained at the New Quezon City Jail in Payatas since Sept. 14.