LEYTE Rep. and former House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez has asked the Sandiganbayan to grant him bail in his P7.44-billion plunder case, arguing that the evidence against him is not strong and assuring he is not a flight risk.
In a 67-page pleading filed on Monday, Mr. Romualdez’s lawyers asked the anti-graft court’s Third Division to hold a summary hearing and set a reasonable amount of bail.
“Where evidence of guilt is not strong, the accused must be admitted to bail,” the petition read.
The defense said the prosecution cannot establish “proof evident or presumption great” of his guilt, arguing that the Ombudsman’s findings rely on “a chain of inferences rather than by direct proof.”
It also noted that three key prosecution witnesses recanted their sworn statements, alleging they were “coerced, intimidated, and made to sign a prepared affidavit.”
The defense further argued that the P50-million threshold for plunder had not been established, citing the Ombudsman’s acknowledgment that “there was no specific contract to speak of,” and four delivery-schedule entries had no amounts.
Mr. Romualdez’s camp also cited a hold departure order against him, his voluntary submission to court authority, and medical records documenting cardiovascular and cerebrovascular conditions.
The Ombudsman filed the case on Sept. 7, accusing Mr. Romualdez and fugitive Elizaldy “Zaldy” S. Co of receiving at least P7.44 billion in commissions, kickbacks and other benefits from government projects between 2022 and 2025.
Mr. Romualdez pleaded not guilty on Sept. 16. He remains in custody of the Quezon City Male Dormitory in Payatas, as he awaits his bail hearing on Oct. 12. – Erika Mae P. Sinaking