Politics · Philippines Bureau
Romualdez seeks bail in P7.44-billion plunder case
The Leyte representative and former House Speaker has petitioned the Sandiganbayan to allow him temporary liberty while facing charges involving alleged kickbacks. Plunder is typically classified as a non-bailable offense under Philippine law.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — Former House Speaker and incumbent Leyte Representative Martin Romualdez filed a bail petition on Monday before the Sandiganbayan Third Division, seeking temporary liberty in connection with a plunder case.
Romualdez and three other respondents, including former Ako Bicol party-list Representative Zaldy Co, are accused of involvement in kickback schemes totaling P7.44 billion. The case represents one of the most significant financial crime allegations brought against a sitting member of Congress.
The petition challenges the typical classification of plunder as a non-bailable offense under the Revised Penal Code. Legal experts note that such petitions in high-profile cases often hinge on constitutional arguments regarding the right to bail and the strength of evidence presented by prosecutors.
The Sandiganbayan Third Division will determine whether sufficient grounds exist to grant Romualdez's request for temporary release pending trial. The decision could set precedent for bail considerations in other plunder cases involving public officials.