Politics · Philippines Bureau
Sandiganbayan hears over 136 witnesses to testify in Romualdez plunder case
The Sandiganbayan Third Division is preparing for testimony from 136 witnesses in the plunder case against former House Speaker Martin Romualdez. Both prosecution and defense teams disclosed the witness count during pretrial proceedings on Friday.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — Prosecutors and defense lawyers have confirmed that more than 136 witnesses are expected to testify before the Sandiganbayan Third Division in the plunder case involving former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, according to statements made during pretrial proceedings Friday.
The witness list will include testimony from both prosecution and defense sides as the court prepares for the bail hearing and subsequent trial. The large number of witnesses underscores the complexity of the case, which centers on allegations of kickbacks connected to Romualdez's tenure.
Both camps presented their preliminary witness schedules during the pretrial conference, setting the stage for an extended judicial proceeding. The Sandiganbayan Third Division is expected to manage the testimony schedule as proceedings move forward.
The plunder charge stems from alleged financial irregularities during Romualdez's time in the House of Representatives. The case represents one of the more significant high-profile corruption cases to reach the anti-graft court in recent years, with the witness testimony expected to form a substantial portion of the evidentiary record.