Rep. Romualdez files bail petition for plunder case

MANILA – Leyte 1st District Rep. Martin Romualdez on Monday filed a petition asking the Sandiganbayan to allow him to post bail for his plunder case.

Romualdez’s defense counsel Ade Fajardo said the former Speaker insists he is not a flight risk.

He is currently detained at the Quezon City Jail in Payatas after the court rejected his plea to be detained in a hospital.

The Sandiganbayan ordered Romualdez’ arrest last Sept. 7, and he was arraigned last Sept. 25.

The bail hearing was scheduled for Oct. 12.

Romualdez, fugitive former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co and two others are accused of receiving PHP7 billion in kickbacks from flood control projects.

“The right to bail is a fundamental right guaranteed by the Constitution. It serves as a vital safeguard that balances society’s interest in securing the presence of the accused at trial with the accused’s right to liberty pending adjudication,” Romualdez’s petition read.

Plunder is a non-bailable offense. (PNA)