Former House Speaker Martin Romualdez has asked the Sandiganbayan to grant him bail in connection with the P7.44-billion plunder case tied to alleged kickbacks from flood-control and other government infrastructure projects.
Romualdez filed his bail petition on September 28, arguing that the prosecution has not presented evidence strong enough to justify keeping him detained while the case proceeds. His lawyers said the evidence largely relies on a chain of inferences rather than direct proof that he knowingly participated in the alleged scheme or received its proceeds.
The defense specifically challenged evidence involving alleged cash deliveries, including statements from security personnel associated with former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co. Romualdez’s lawyers also pointed to recantations by several of those witnesses and argued that the testimony does not establish the source, amount or receipt of the alleged money by Romualdez.
Prosecutors have accused Romualdez and Co of receiving commissions, kickbacks and other financial benefits connected to government projects funded between 2022 and 2025. The case also names Romualdez’s former aide Joselyn Tragua Serenio and foreign-exchange executive Felicito Cristobal Guevarra. Romualdez has pleaded not guilty.
Under Philippine law, bail in a case punishable by reclusion perpetua may be denied when the evidence of guilt is strong. Romualdez’s petition argues that this threshold has not been met and says he is not a flight risk. His lawyers have offered to comply with conditions the court may impose, including surrendering his passport and making regular reports.
The Sandiganbayan Third Division has scheduled the first bail hearing for October 12. Prosecutors are expected to present 23 witnesses, while the defense may call three to four witnesses. The main trial is scheduled to begin on November 23.
