Politics · Philippines Bureau
Witness links Romualdez to alleged cash deliveries in plunder case
A purported bagman testified before the Sandiganbayan that he witnessed or participated in suitcase deliveries containing money to four locations, including the alleged residence of former House Speaker Martin Romualdez. The testimony emerged during bail proceedings in a plunder case against the veteran politician.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — A key witness in the plunder case against former House Speaker Martin Romualdez told the Sandiganbayan Third Division on Tuesday that he was present during or took part in alleged money deliveries to four separate locations. Witness Gil Navidad provided the testimony during bail hearings in the high-profile case.
Navidad's account places him at the center of allegations that cash was transported via suitcase to multiple destinations, with prosecutors suggesting one delivery involved Romualdez's residence. The testimony represents a significant development in the case, as it potentially corroborates earlier allegations regarding the movement of funds allegedly connected to the plunder charge.
The Sandiganbayan, which handles cases involving high-ranking government officials, is currently weighing Romualdez's bail petition. The former Speaker, who served as a prominent figure in Congress for decades, faces the plunder charge as part of continuing investigations into allegedly illicit financial activities.
The case adds to mounting legal challenges facing members of the political establishment. Navidad's identification as a bagman, or money courier, underscores the prosecution's strategy of building a paper trail through witness testimony and logistics evidence.