Sandiganbayan allows Romualdez to attend hearings via video conference

MANILA – Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez is allowed to attend the hearings for his plunder case via video conference. 

The Sandiganbayan Third Division granted his motion to remotely attend the hearings, provided that he will immediately submit a duly executed, informed written waiver and that his undertakings comply with the conditions.

“The court may still require the accused to appear in-person whenever his individual presence is deemed necessary,” the resolution read.

The anti-graft court also permitted Romualdez to sign the pre-trial order at the Quezon City Jail on Oct. 12 at 8:30 a.m.

The bail hearings for Romualdez are scheduled from Oct. 12 to Nov. 12.

The trial proper, meanwhile, will start on Nov. 23. 

During the arraignment and pre-trial, Romualdez likewise attended through video conference, citing health concerns.

The congressman is suffering from hypertension, diabetes, and cerebrovascular ischemic disease, among others.

Former congressman Zaldy Co is Romualdez’s co-accused in the charge over an alleged P7.4-billion kickback scheme involving government projects.