Arrest warrant issued vs Romualdez, Co, 2 others over plunder

Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez (Videograb from the official Facebook page of Martin Romualdez) Arrest warrant issued vs Romualdez, Co, 2 others over plunder MANILA, Philippines — The Sandiganbayan Third Division on Monday issued an arrest warrant against former House Speaker and incumbent Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co and two others over their plunder case. Once arrested, they would stay behind bars since plunder is a non-bailable offense. Article continues after this advertisement Earlier, the Office of the Ombudsman filed the information which contains the formal charges against Romualdez. READ: Martin Romualdez charged with plunder According to the information containing the formal charges filed by prosecutors before the anti-graft court, Romualdez and Co were charged for “repeatedly receiving, directly or indirectly, on at least fifteen (15) occasions, commissions, shares, percentages. kickbacks, ‘commitments’ and/or other pecuniary benefits” worth at least P7.44 billion. Aside from Co, also charged were Romualdez’s staff Jocelyn Sereño and a certain Felecito Guevarra, president of a money changing firm. READ: Probe of Romualdez, Co tags firms, ‘maleta’ use Article continues after this advertisement “The issuance of a warrant of arrest signifies only that, after personally evaluating the records, the Court found probable cause to believe that the accused committed the offense charged,” the Third Division said in a statement. “Probable cause for the issuance of a warrant of arrest exists when the facts and circumstances alleged by the prosecution would lead a reasonably discreet and prudent person to believe that an offense has been committed by the person sought to be arrested,” the court said. Article continues after this advertisement “It does not constitute a determination of guilt.” Aside from the arrest warrant, the Third Division also issued a hold departure order against all accused. /gsg Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful.