Witnesses Detail Suspicious Deliveries in Romualdez Plunder Probe

Witnesses Detail Suspicious Deliveries in Romualdez Plunder Probe

By Bing Jabadan – TheNATIONWEEK.com | October 19, 2026

MANILA, Philippines – In a potentially significant development in the P7.4 billion plunder case against Leyte Representative Martin Romualdez, two prosecution witnesses have detailed frequent suitcase deliveries to the residence of co-accused Zaldy Co. While neither witness directly observed the alleged illicit funds, their testimonies paint a picture of consistent, large-scale transfers that raise questions about the nature of these transactions.

The testimonies emerged during the fourth day of Romualdez’s bail hearing, where he faces accusations of involvement in a government projects kickback scheme.

Police Major Alvin Nuguid, who served as close-in security for Co from March 2024 to July 2025, told the Sandiganbayan that he witnessed 50 to 60 suitcases being delivered to Co’s Taguig residence two to three times a week. “I did not see money inside the suitcases,” Nuguid clarified, “only the suitcases themselves.”

Nuguid further disclosed hearing “special tasking” and “joking” among Co’s executive assistants, specifically naming John Paul Estrada and Mark Ticsay, regarding suitcase deliveries containing “basura” – a term he understood to refer to money – as early as April 2025. When questioned by Sandiganbayan Third Division chairperson and Associate Justice Karl Miranda on his interpretation, Nuguid stated, “I overheard them joking that there is money in trash.”

The witness also confirmed seeing Romualdez visit Co at the Taguig residence, with these visits lasting “less than two hours.” However, Nuguid stated he did not overhear any conversations about the suitcase deliveries during his frequent rides with Co in a VIP car.

Echoing Nuguid’s account, Police Master Sergeant Larry Bellen, a security aide for Co for eight years, also testified to observing suitcases delivered to Co’s house on 10 to 12 occasions. Like Nuguid, Bellen stated he had no “personal knowledge” of the contents, noting the suitcases were transported on trolleys.

Bellen further stated he once overheard Co and his wife, Mylene, discussing Romualdez’s efforts to convince Co to run as a party-list representative. Co served as Ako Bicol party-list representative from June 2019 to June 2025 before reportedly leaving the country in July 2025 amid links to a flood control controversy.

The prosecution aims to establish a pattern of illicit financial transfers through these testimonies, even in the absence of direct evidence of money. The defense is expected to challenge the credibility and limited direct knowledge of the witnesses as the bail hearing continues.

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