Leyte Representative Martin Romualdez and former Ako Bicol party-list Representative Zaldy Co were identified as proponents of P27 billion worth of projects under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) based on the testimony of Engineer Peter Paul Cortez, chief of the DPWH Programming Division, during the bail hearing of Romualdez. Romualdez is facing a P7.4 billion plunder case alongside Co, his personal assistant Joselyn Tragua Sereño, and Felicito Cristobal Guevarra, president of Samchan Foreign Exchange Corporation. Cortez stated that his division 'assumed' Romualdez and Co were proponents of the projects since their names were provided by the late Undersecretary Catalina Cabral, who died in December 2025 in an apparent fall into a ravine in Benguet. The witness explained that the DPWH database tagged Romualdez and Co as proponents based on Cabral's instructions, though these instructions were not documented. The P27 billion projects were not proposed by the DPWH under the National Expenditure Program but were part of congressional amendments included in the General Appropriations Act. Cortez mentioned that the amendments likely occurred during bicameral conference committee deliberations, which reconcile House and Senate budget versions. During cross-examination, Cortez confirmed he did not discuss the projects with Romualdez or his staff, and the DPWH database did not indicate any commissions related to the projects. Romualdez has consistently denied involvement in the alleged kickback scheme in flood control projects. The case is being handled by the Sandiganbayan Third Division, with Justice Karl Miranda presiding over the bail hearing. The prosecution witness, Cortez, emphasized that the database records were the basis for identifying the proponents, not direct communication with the lawmakers. This testimony is part of the ongoing legal proceedings against Romualdez and his associates in connection with the alleged misuse of public funds for infrastructure projects.

A prosecution witness, Vergel Nino Garcia, former aide of state witness Roberto Bernardo and ex-Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) undersecretary, testified during a bail hearing for suspended Senator Jinggoy Estrada. Garcia stated he delivered 12 boxes to Estrada at the Artiaga Building in San Juan City in November 2024, where he saw Estrada wearing a t-shirt, pants, and leather shoes. Garcia emphasized he did not inspect the contents of the boxes, which were delivered per Bernardo's instructions. He also mentioned being accompanied by Bernardo's driver, Francisco dela Fuente, during the delivery. Garcia further testified that he delivered boxes to other officials, including former Senator Bong Revilla, former Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan (15 boxes), late DPWH Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral (one box and one paper bag), and former Education Undersecretary Trygve Olaivar (eight suitcases and 15 boxes). During cross-examination, Garcia confirmed no photos or videos were taken during the deliveries. Bernardo, the state witness, previously stated there were four deliveries of kickbacks to Estrada from 2024 to 2025, though he was only present for one delivery in June 2025. Bernardo explained that implicating Estrada was difficult as he was a friend, stating, 'It is tough to betray a friend. I cannot do that easily. I need to have solid evidence.' He also noted that his earlier affidavit reserved his right to submit a supplemental affidavit if warranted, given the case's complexities. The case involves Estrada's alleged receipt of kickbacks in a P573-million plunder case. The testimony is part of the ongoing legal proceedings against Estrada, who is suspended from his position as a senator.

The Sandiganbayan, the anti-graft court in the Philippines, has suspended Senator Rodante Marcoleta from his position due to a pending plunder case. The 3rd Division of the Sandiganbayan issued the suspension order, which means Marcoleta can no longer perform his duties as a senator while the case is being processed. This development comes amid ongoing legal proceedings related to allegations of plunder against Marcoleta. The suspension is a significant step in the judicial process, highlighting the court's commitment to addressing corruption cases involving public officials. The news was reported by Rappler, a prominent Philippine news outlet, which provided details on the case and its implications for Marcoleta's political career. The suspension order underscores the seriousness with which the Philippine judicial system treats corruption allegations, particularly when they involve high-ranking officials. It also reflects the ongoing efforts by the anti-graft court to maintain integrity within the government. The case against Marcoleta is part of a broader trend of legal actions targeting public officials accused of corruption, which has been a focus of the Sandiganbayan in recent years. The suspension does not mean Marcoleta has been found guilty; it is a procedural step to ensure that he does not continue to hold office while the case is under review. This move is expected to have implications for the Senate and the political landscape in the Philippines, as it sets a precedent for how similar cases will be handled in the future. The Sandiganbayan's decision has been widely covered by Philippine media, with many analysts noting the significance of the case in the context of the country's anti-corruption efforts. The suspension serves as a reminder of the accountability mechanisms in place for public officials in the Philippines, reinforcing the rule of law and the importance of ethical governance. The case is still ongoing, and further developments are expected as the legal process continues.

Rappler has conducted a fact check confirming that Leyte 1st District Representative Martin Romualdez remains detained in Payatas jail as of October 15, 2026. The lawmaker was arrested on September 7, 2026, in connection with a P7.44-billion plunder case related to the flood control controversy. Romualdez has been held at the New Quezon City Jail since September 14, 2026, following his arrest. His detention was not immediate after arrest as he was first confined at a hospital in San Juan City hours before the warrant was served. During his arraignment before the Sandiganbayan on September 16, Romualdez pleaded not guilty to the charges. His bail hearing began on October 12 and will continue every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. The presentation of evidence for his case is scheduled to begin on November 23. The Ombudsman has identified Romualdez as a 'central figure' in the plunder scheme due to his strong influence in Congress during his tenure as House speaker. This fact check addresses a false Facebook post claiming Romualdez had left detention and traveled abroad, which was shared over 4,700 times with 1,600 shares and 700 comments. The post included a photo of Romualdez with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and misleading text stating he had 'left the country.' Rappler has previously debunked similar false claims about Romualdez, including allegations about his health, planned escapes, and staged arrests. The fact check emphasizes the importance of verifying information before sharing, especially regarding public officials and ongoing legal cases. The case remains ongoing with the Sandiganbayan court handling the proceedings.

MANILA, June 1 (Bernama-Xinhua) — Philippine Senator Jinggoy Estrada on Monday announced his surrender to the police, after the anti-graft court Sandiganbayan ordered his arrest over a plunder charge, reported Xinhua. Estrada surrendered to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group of the Philippine National Police and said at a press briefing earlier on Monday that he would not seek Senate custody, adding that he was ready to defend himself before the court. “I will not hide behind the institution to evade the process,” he added. Last week, the Philippine Office of the Ombudsman filed charges against him before the Sandiganbayan, […]