Metro Manila, Philippines – Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez is expected to testify in his own defense in the ₱7.44-billion plunder case against him, his lawyer Ade Fajardo said Friday.
“He wants his day to defend himself in court,” Fajardo told reporters after the Sandiganbayan Third Division formally terminated the pre-trial proceedings.
The defense may also present the security aides and drivers of Romualdez’s co-accused, former Ako-Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co, who have recanted their statements, including Orly Guteza.
Fajardo said Guteza claimed in his new sworn statement that his previous testimony was part of a setup. He added that Guteza was made to sign documents portraying him as the “missing link” in the alleged delivery scheme.
Fajardo said the defense initially identified about 40 potential witnesses, but the list remains tentative and could change depending on the evidence presented by the prosecution.
Romualdez is detained at the Quezon City Jail–Male Dormitory in Payatas while facing allegations of receiving kickbacks from government projects.
His three co-accused, including Co, remain at large.
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Sandiganbayan sets Oct. 12 bail hearings, Nov. 23 trial for Romualdez
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Court calls out Romualdez lawyers
Meanwhile, the Sandiganbayan called out Romualdez’s lawyer over public remarks questioning the court’s decision to require the reading of the Information during his arraignment.
In its order Friday, the court said lawyer Judd Roy had publicly characterized the reading as “overkill”.
Roy recently said that in a radio interview where he also explained that the defense wanted to waive the reading because they had already studied the Information and their client wanted to move on.
The court said the reading is a regular part of the judicial process and safeguards the accused’s right to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation.
It reminded lawyers to observe “propriety, restraint, and respect,” including when speaking to the media.
Fajardo said the defense respects the court’s position.
“We lawyers are officers of the court, we need to be courteous,” he said.
