Speaker Martin Romualdez delivers his speech as he steps down from his post as Speaker of the House of Representatives on September 17, 2025. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News
MANILA — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is ready to receive and process former House Speaker Martin Romualdez should he decide to surrender following the issuance of an arrest warrant against him.
NBI Director Atty. Melvin Matibag said the agency has not received any formal surrender feelers from Romualdez or his camp but stressed that the NBI is open 24 hours to receive him and subsequently present him before the proper court.
“Walang nakarating sa amin [na surrender feelers]. But if that will be the case, NBI is open 24 hours kung gusto sumurrender sa amin and process him and present him to the court.”
The NBI’s statement comes after the issuance of the arrest warrant against Romualdez in connection with the flood control project controversy and the plunder case filed against him and other respondents.
Matibag earlier said the NBI is prepared to implement the warrant should it be tasked to do so, and that Romualdez would be treated in accordance with the same legal procedures applicable to other persons subject to an arrest warrant.
The NBI chief also clarified that the agency has yet to receive any information regarding a voluntary surrender by the former Speaker.
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