QUEZON CITY, Philippines — The Sandiganbayan Third Division has authorized former House Speaker and incumbent Leyte 1st District Representative Martin Romualdez to attend hearings in his plunder case through videoconferencing and sign his pre-trial order at the Quezon City Jail-Male Dormitory in Payatas on Monday, October 12.
In a resolution dated October 9, the anti-graft court approved Romualdez’s request to sign the pre-trial order at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) facility in Barangay Bagong Silangan, Payatas, Quezon City, at 8:30 a.m.
The court also granted his request to participate in hearings remotely, subject to the submission of a properly executed written waiver with informed consent and compliance with Supreme Court rules governing videoconferencing.
“Notwithstanding, the court may still require the accused to appear in-person whenever his individual presence is deemed necessary,” the resolution stated.
Romualdez’s legal team submitted the two motions on October 8, seeking permission for him to attend hearings online and sign the pre-trial order while inside the detention facility.
The prosecution opposed the requests through an email submission on October 9, the same day the court issued its resolution.
The Sandiganbayan directed Quezon City Jail-Male Dormitory Warden Jail Superintendent Maria Lourdes Pacion to ensure the availability of the facilities, personnel services and technical equipment needed for the videoconference proceedings.
The court also instructed the Division Clerk of Court to be physically present at the detention facility during the scheduled proceedings on October 12. Romualdez, meanwhile, was required to personally sign the pre-trial order dated October 9.
Under the resolution, one of Romualdez’s assisting lawyers and one member of the prosecution team may attend the proceedings inside the jail. Other defense lawyers and prosecutors must appear in person at the Sandiganbayan.
The court likewise authorized media organizations to select seven representatives from among themselves to cover the proceedings inside the detention facility.
These representatives may share information, photographs and videos with other journalists for publication and broadcast, subject to the court’s restrictions.
“Provided, however, that no photos or video recordings of the actual proceedings shall be taken,” the court said.
Romualdez faces P7.4-billion plunder case
The case stems from plunder charges filed by the Office of the Ombudsman before the Sandiganbayan on September 7 against Romualdez, former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co and two other individuals.
The charges involve an alleged P7.4-billion kickback scheme linked to flood-control and other government projects.
The case is now before the anti-graft court, which will oversee the proceedings and determine the allegations in accordance with the law.