Metro Manila, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez is not receiving special treatment following his arrest in relation to billions in alleged flood control project kickbacks, dismissing suggestions that the development was merely “drama.”
Marcos said such claims were political attacks rather than criticism of how the courts were handling the case.
“It’s kind of may masabi, kailangan may masabi para insultuhin ka or to put you down, or sabihin mali ‘yung ginagawa mo. Basta ang sasabihin basically pinapatunayan nila na wala kang kuwentang tao,” Marcos told reporters in New Delhi on Saturday, Sept. 12.
[Translation: It’s like they just need to say something to insult you or put you down, or say that what you’re doing is wrong. Basically, they have to say something to make it appear that you’re worthless.]
Marcos said allegations that his cousin’s arrest was staged did not address the judicial proceedings.
“So they have to say that. So that’s what they’re saying. They’re not commenting about. That’s not a comment on the procedures of court. It’s just another attack. We get them a lot,” he said.
Romualdez was previously one of Marcos’ closest political allies and was House speaker before he got entangled in legal proceedings.
The president did not directly address the specific treatment Romualdez had received following his arrest, but rejected the suggestion that the proceedings were staged.
Romualdez has been transferred to the Philippine General Hospital for an independent medical evaluation amid plunder charges.
