Vice President Sara Duterte doubled down on her accusations against former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, alleging a disturbing pattern of corruption tied to cash-filled luggage and questionable deals.
“Nang ako’y tanungin kaninang umaga kung naniniwala ba ako sa mga pahayag ukol sa sangkatutak na mga maleta ng perang hinahatid umano sa bahay ni Martin Romualdez, ang naging sagot ko ay ‘Oo,’” Duterte said. She cited records from the Delaware Court case 26 Capital Corp v. Tiger Resort Asia LTD, where Romualdez’s name appeared 17 times in connection with Okada Manila. The ruling rejected claims that the “heavy luggage” delivered to Romualdez contained only documents.
“These are not mere coincidences — they form a disturbing pattern,” Duterte added, pointing to testimonies like that of Sgt. Orly Guteza to support suspicions of systemic bribery. She also questioned President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s judgment in choosing Romualdez as House Speaker despite the Delaware court ruling.
Romualdez strongly denied the accusations, branding Duterte’s claims as “fabricated stories.” He said he had no involvement in the Delaware proceedings or in issues connected to Okada Manila.
“She has already lost credibility as a source,” Romualdez said, dismissing the accusations as politically motivated attempts to discredit him.
The dispute highlights the growing rift between two of the Philippines’ most powerful figures. Duterte’s remarks have revived public focus on corruption allegations, while Romualdez insists the attacks are baseless.
