Metro Manila, Philippines – Former House Speaker Martin Romualdez pleaded not guilty to the ₱7.44-billion plunder case at the Sandiganbayan Third Division on Wednesday, Sept. 16.
The Leyte representative has been accused of receiving kickbacks from flood control and infrastructure projects.
He attended the arraignment via videoconference from the Quezon City Jail in Payatas.
“He is maintaining his innocence,” said the lawmaker’s counsel, Ade Fajardo.
He said Romualdez will file a petition for bail, saying he wants the prosecution to present its evidence on whether the detention is necessary.
The court set the pre-marking of evidence on Sept. 18, 21, 22, and 23.
Fajardo said the defense opted for a video conference arraignment because Romualdez’s medical condition remained uncertain and “to avoid the risk of physical transfer, or contracting an emergency situation in a transfer from jail to the Sandiganbayan.”
On the denial of Romualdez’s request for hospital confinement, he said the defense will pursue available legal remedies.
Meanwhile, Sandiganbayan Third Division Chairperson Justice Karl Miranda said under the court’s revised internal rules, an accused is given 10 days to explain why he or she should not be preventively suspended.
