Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said former Speaker Martin Romualdez’s arrest was “painful” and “heavy” to witness, as he considers the Leyte representative a friend.

According to a Monday report by RH 52 Edniel Parrosa, Remulla maintained that he must show no bias, despite their personal ties.

“He looks pale,” the DILG chief said, referring to the lawmaker, who has been confined at the Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan City.

Romualdez’s blood pressure is unstable, Remulla said, due to an earlier “cardiovascular event” and an “anxiety attack.”

Before 8:00 p.m. on Monday evening, Romualdez underwent booking procedures at his hospital bed for a plunder charge in relation to ₱7.4 billion in alleged kickbacks siphoned from the anomalous flood control scheme.

Aside from Romualdez, his personal assistant Joselyn Tragua Serenio, resigned Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co, and businessman Felicito Cristobal Guevarra have been charged with plunder, with no bail recommended.

Remulla assured that Romualdez’s hospitalization does not shield him from the legal process.

“He cannot hide behind his wealth. Kahit gano’ng kayaman siya, hindi niya kaya bayaran ang batas para payagan siya dito sa magandang lugar na 'yan,” he said.