Former House Speaker Martin Romualdez has filed a petition for bail before the Sandiganbayan in his ₱7.4-billion plunder case involving alleged kickbacks from flood-control and other government projects.
In his 60-page petition, Romualdez argued that the prosecution’s case relies on a chain of inferences rather than direct evidence showing that he personally demanded or received kickbacks.
He also questioned allegations involving cash-filled suitcases, cited witness recantations, and argued that discrepancies in his Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth do not establish his participation in the alleged conspiracy.
Romualdez further disputed the prosecution’s calculation of the ₱50-million threshold required for a plunder charge, saying the alleged collections had not been directly traced to him.
The Sandiganbayan has scheduled the first bail hearing for October 12, with the prosecution expected to present 23 witnesses during the bail proceedings.
Source: PhilNews24 | September 29, 2026
