Prosecution presents videos, photos of suitcases delivery as Romualdez bail hearing starts

MANILA — The Sandiganbayan Third Division on Monday began hearing former House Speaker Martin Romualdez’s petition for bail in connection with a P7.4-billion plunder case linked to alleged kickbacks from government flood control projects.

Romualdez, who cited medical concerns, attended the proceedings via videoconference from the New Quezon City Jail, where he is detained. He was also allowed to sign the pre-trial order at the jail’s trial court room.

Like former senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., who was also implicated in the flood control corruption controversy and granted bail in a separate plunder case, Romualdez is seeking temporary liberty while his case is pending.

Plunder is generally punishable by reclusion perpetua and is non-bailable when the evidence of guilt is strong. During a bail hearing, the prosecution must establish whether the evidence against the accused meets that legal threshold.

The prosecution has so far presented one witness, a former Marine who previously served as bodyguard and aide to former House appropriations committee chairperson Zaldy Co. 

George Villalon Jr. claimed to have transported suitcases, or maleta, containing millions of pesos in cash allegedly intended for Romualdez. 

He said he was part of a team that delivered luggage to a residence along McKinley Road in Forbes Park, Makati City, which prosecutors alleged was owned by Romualdez.

During the hearing, the prosecution presented a video showing a queue of suitcases inside the residence. Villalon said he recorded the footage during a delivery on November 21, 2023.

Prosecutors also presented Villalon’s supposed photographs of suitcases his team brought from Co’s unit at Horizon Residences in Taguig City.

The prosecution has lined up 23 witnesses for the bail proceedings, scheduled to run from October 12 to November 12, with hearings set on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.

The trial proper for the plunder, malversation and graft charges is scheduled to begin on November 23.

The Office of the Ombudsman filed the P7.4-billion plunder case against Romualdez and three co-accused over allegations that they received kickbacks from contractors and other parties with interests in government flood control and infrastructure projects funded under the national budgets for 2022 to 2025.

He has pleaded not guilty to the plunder charge.