(Inquirer.net) Manila, Philippines — Former House Speaker and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez was arrested Monday night on plunder charges tied to an alleged ₱7.44-billion kickback scheme involving flood control and infrastructure projects funded between 2022 and 2025. The Sandiganbayan’s Third Division issued the arrest warrant after the Office of the Ombudsman filed the case earlier that day, also naming former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co and two other co-accused. Romualdez, a first cousin of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., was served the warrant while confined at Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan City, where he reportedly experienced a cardiovascular event and an anxiety attack following the charges. His lawyers have asked the court to allow continued hospital confinement, though the Sandiganbayan has said it will independently assess his fitness for regular detention. Officials say this is expected to be the first of several related charges. Read More