Romualdez camp to file response against preventive suspension

MANILA — The legal camp of Leyte Representative Martin Romualdez will file its response by Monday against a proposed preventive suspension as a lawmaker, according to his attorney Ade Fajardo. The filing comes after the Sandiganbayan Third Division, chaired by Associate Justice Karl Miranda, set the deadline for Romualdez to submit his answer regarding the suspension recommendation. Preventive suspension is a legal measure that temporarily bars an official from performing duties while criminal or administrative cases are ongoing. The move follows an earlier action by the antigraft court in connection with charges against the former House Speaker. Romualdez's camp is expected to present arguments opposing the suspension, asserting that such a measure may not be warranted in his case. The Sandiganbayan, the Philippines' special court handling cases involving public officials and graft-related charges, will review the submission before making a determination on whether to impose the preventive suspension.