US judge James Travis Laster 20230128 exposed Martin Romualdez got heavy cash luggage 3B Okada bribe

#MartinRomualdez
#HeavyCashRinowaLuggage
#CA2023-0128-JTL
#Bribery
#HeavyCashLuggage
#RinowaLuggage
#OkadaCasino
#26CapitalAcquisitionCorp
#TigerResortAsiaLtd
#UniversalEntertainment
#OkadaManila
#DelawareCourt
#FocusOnBusinessDispute
#Chancery
#JamesTravisLester
#failedmergerdispute
#criminalbriberycase
#EmailExchanges
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the situation as of late September 2025:
🧳 Allegations Involving Okada Casino and Martin Romualdez
• The controversy stems from a corporate dispute between 26 Capital Acquisition Corp. and Tiger Resort Asia Ltd., a subsidiary of Universal Entertainment (Okada Manila’s parent company).
• In the Delaware Court of Chancery case (C.A. No. 2023-0128-JTL), 26 Capital alleged that Romualdez received “heavy luggage” containing an “item”—interpreted by some as cash—to influence the outcome of the ownership battle over Okada Manila.
• Email exchanges between Universal Entertainment executives and Martin Romualdez were presented as part of the evidence.
🏛️ What the Delaware Court Actually Ruled
• The court did not investigate or rule on the bribery allegations.
• It noted that Martin Romualdez “did not play ball” with Okada executives and did not cooperate with their legal efforts.
• The case was ultimately resolved as a failed merger dispute, not a criminal bribery case.
🔥 Political Fallout in the Philippines
• Vice President Sara Duterte has repeatedly cited the Delaware case to accuse Martin Romualdez of corruption, claiming his name appeared 17 times in the court ruling and referencing weekly deliveries of “basura” (slang for cash).
• A retired marine, Orly Regala Guteza, testified in a Senate hearing that he personally delivered suitcases weighing 48 kg each, allegedly containing ₱48 million per bag, to Martin Romualdez’s residence.
• Martin Romualdez has denied all accusations, calling them “pure fiction” and stating that he was never investigated or charged.
🧩 Key Points to Clarify
• No conviction or sentencing has been issued by any U.S. court against Martin Romualdez.
• The bribery claims remain allegations, largely fueled by political rivalry and testimony from controversial witnesses.
• The Delaware court focused solely on the business dispute, not criminal conduct.
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🧾 Transcript: Okada Casino & Martin Romualdez Allegations
🔍 Summary of Allegations
Martin Romualdez has not been convicted or sentenced by the Delaware Court for bribery involving Okada Casino. Allegations surfaced during a corporate dispute, but the court did not rule on criminal conduct.

🗓️ Simplified Timeline of Events (Plain Text Format)
• 2017 – Kazuo Okada removed from Okada Manila board by family over alleged fund misuse.
• 2021 – Okada reinstated via Philippine Supreme Court status quo ante order.
• 2021–2022 – Universal Entertainment (UE) seeks merger with 26 Capital, a U.S. SPAC.
• May–June 2022 – UE files urgent motions with the Philippine Supreme Court to regain control.
• July 27, 2022 – Alleged meeting between UE executives and Martin Romualdez; “heavy luggage” with an “item” reportedly exchanged.
• Aug 10, 2022 – Supreme Court issues resolution on status quo ante order.
• Aug 25, 2023 – 26 Capital files suit in Delaware Chancery Court (C.A. No. 2023-0128-JTL).
• Sept 7, 2023 – Delaware Court rules against specific performance; merger blocked.
• Oct 5, 2023 – Martin Romualdez publicly denies bribery allegations.
• Oct 18, 2023 – VP Sara Duterte cites Delaware documents in press conference, alleging Martin Romualdez received bribes.
• Nov 2023 – Philippine Supreme Court lifts status quo ante order, dismissing Okada’s petition.

🏛️ Delaware Court Findings
• The court acknowledged a “dodgy bargain” between Okada Manila executives and Philippine officials.
• Emails presented referred to Martin Romualdez as “Number 2” and “common friend,” allegedly involved in influencing court decisions.
• The court stated Martin Romualdez “did not play ball” and did not cooperate with Okada’s legal efforts.
• The ruling focused on contractual failure, not criminal bribery.

💼 Allegations of Bribery
• 26 Capital claimed Romualdez received a suitcase weighing 48 kg, containing ₱48 million (~$1 million).
• Witness Orly Regala Guteza, a retired marine, testified in the Philippine Senate that he delivered such suitcases weekly.
• Martin Romualdez denied all claims, stating he was never contacted by the U.S. court and calling the accusations “fiction.”

🔥 Political Fallout
• VP Sara Duterte cited the Delaware case to accuse Martin Romualdez of corruption.
• She claimed his name appeared 17 times in the ruling and referenced weekly deliveries of “basura” (slang for cash).
• The case has become a flashpoint in Philippine political rivalry.

🧠 Summary
• No formal charges or convictions have been filed against Martin Romualdez.
• The Delaware court did not investigate or confirm bribery.
• Allegations remain politically charged and unproven in court.