METRO

ATOM decries slow accountability, presses scrutiny of Romualdez plunder case

Lisa Marie Apacible · Oct 25, 2026, 6:02 PM

PROTESTERS KEEP WATCH ON ROMUALDEZ CASE A militant group led by Fr. Reyes stages a protest outside the Sandiganbayan in Quezon City on Monday, 7 September 2026, calling on the public to closely monitor the case filed against former House Speaker Martin Romualdez over alleged anomalies in flood control projects. Photo by Analy Labor — ANALY LABOR

The August Twenty-One Movement (ATOM) criticized the slow pace of accountability in the country, urging the public to closely monitor the plunder case against former House Speaker Martin Romualdez and ensure that the proceedings lead to justice.

The group called on the public to keep watch over the Office of the Ombudsman and the Sandiganbayan, saying Romualdez's detention should be followed by sustained efforts to hold those accused of corruption accountable.

“Ang unang hakbang po dito ay makakita ng isang Martin Romualdez na nakakulong. Kailangan po nating maipanalo ang pananagutan. Hindi po tayo puwedeng magsawa sa pagbabantay,” Tinding Pilipinas co-convenor Kiko Aquino-Dee said during its “ROAR Against Corruption” protest along Ayala Avenue in Makati City.

Romualdez is facing a P7.44-billion plunder case before the Sandiganbayan over allegations that he and other officials received kickbacks from government infrastructure and flood control projects. He has pleaded not guilty and is seeking bail.

ATOM said that despite Romualdez's detention, accountability under the Marcos administration remained slow, with signs of selectivity persisting.

“His [Marcos] cousin is now in jail and Romualdez continues to wait for his bail hearing to be handed its final decision, true accountability continues to be slow, and some hints of selectiveness remain,” the group said, referring to the administration's handling of corruption allegations.

They also criticized Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla for admitting difficulties in arresting several high-profile individuals, including former Ako Bicol party-list representative Zaldy Co, Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa and businessman Atong Ang.

ATOM questioned why authorities continued to struggle to apprehend the individuals despite intelligence information allegedly pointing to their locations and the substantial confidential funds allocated to the Office of the President and the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

“Sa tuwing may malawakang kilos-protesta, full-force at battle mode ang mga pulis laban sa mga aktibista at mamamayan, pero kay Senator Bato? Anong klaseng palusot iyan?” ATOM said.