Sandiganbayan suspends Romualdez

Former House Speaker and Leyte First District Rep. Martin Romualdez pleads not guilty during his arraignment via videoconference from the Quezon City Jail in Payatas on September 16, 2026.  Aaron Favila, AP Photos/ Pool 

MANILA (UPDATED) — The Sandiganbayan Third Division on Tuesday imposed a 90-day preventive suspension order against former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, who is currently detained at the Quezon City Jail in Payatas.

Romualdez is facing a plunder case over the alleged P7.4 billion ill-gotten wealth from government infrastructure projects.

Atty. Dennis Pulma, Third Division clerk of court, made the confirmation.

“The resolution orders the former speaker to cease and desist from the functions of his office or any other office,” Pulma said.

The court also ordered its clerk of court to furnish a copy of the resolution to the speaker of the house through the office of the secretary general.

It also directed the House to inform the court of any action taken within a period of five days from receipt of the resolution.