Witness says Co gave Romualdez shirt, not cash-filled suitcase

MANILA — Police Maj. Hermelo Dichoso, head of Co's security detail, told the Sandiganbayan Third Division on Thursday that he witnessed Co presenting a shirt to Romualdez as a gift, not a suitcase or "maleta" allegedly containing cash.

Dichoso's account during the bail hearing directly addressed a key allegation in the case against Co. The testimony suggested that what prosecutors may have characterized as a suspicious cash transfer was actually an ordinary gift exchange between the two political figures.

The Sandiganbayan is hearing arguments on Co's bail petition as the case proceeds. Dichoso's status as Co's security team leader places him in a position to have firsthand knowledge of interactions between Co and other officials.

The case against Co has drawn attention amid ongoing scrutiny of transactions between high-ranking government and party-list officials. Co's legal team presented Dichoso's testimony as evidence supporting arguments for Co's release on bail pending trial.

The court has not yet ruled on Co's bail petition. The case remains under the jurisdiction of the Sandiganbayan Third Division, which handles plunder and graft cases involving high-ranking officials.