Metro Manila, Philippines – Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez on Monday, Sept. 28, asked the Sandiganbayan to grant him bail, citing weak evidence linking him to the alleged ₱7.44-billion plunder scheme.
Romualdez, through his lawyers, filed the petition with the Sandiganbayan Third Division after the court scheduled his bail hearings for Oct. 12.
The petition asks the court to declare that the prosecution failed to establish “proof evident or presumption great” of his guilt and to release him on bail.
Romualdez pleaded not guilty at his arraignment on Sept. 16.
The prosecution is expected to present 23 witnesses during the bail hearings.
In his petition, Romualdez disputed the evidence allegedly linking him to the plunder conspiracy, including claims involving the delivery of cash, receipt and use of proceeds, and an alleged disparity in his statement of assets, liabilities, and net worth or SALN.
His lawyers also questioned the accounts of former security aides who allegedly delivered cash on behalf of former House budget committee chairperson Zaldy Co. The petition cited their subsequent retractions and conflicting statements as factors that weaken the prosecution’s evidence.
Romualdez also argued that the prosecution failed to establish the ₱50-million threshold required for plunder.
He said he is not a flight risk and offered to comply with conditions the court may impose, including surrendering his passport and making periodic reports to authorities.
Romualdez has been detained at the Quezon City Jail-Male Dormitory in Payatas since Sept. 14.
He was transferred there after the Sandiganbayan ordered his transfer from the UP-Philippine General Hospital, where he had been confined for medical evaluation.
The petition cited his submission to the court’s processes as evidence that he does not intend to flee. Romualdez asked the court to set a reasonable bail amount and order his release once he complies with the conditions.
The Sandiganbayan scheduled the trial proper to begin on Nov. 23.
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