Palace says President Marcos did not abandon cousin Romualdez amid plunder case

Malacañang dismissed criticism that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has turned his back on his cousin, former speaker Martin Romualdez, after the latter’s arrest on plunder accusations tied to a flood-control kickback scheme. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stressed that the president stays neutral, respecting due process and the evidence presented by the Office of the Ombudsman. Romualdez was taken into custody at Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan City the same day the Ombudsman lodged a P7.4-billion plunder charge against him and three others.

He has petitioned the Sandiganbayan for continued hospital confinement, citing cardiovascular and brain health issues, but the administration says any decision rests with medical experts and the court. The Philippine National Police have readied a detention facility for possible hospital confinement, while the Ombudsman has vowed to oppose it. Castro added that the president’s personal feelings are irrelevant; the focus is on ensuring accountability through the justice system.