MANILA — The legal team of former House Speaker and incumbent Leyte 1st District Representative Martin Romualdez confronted prosecution witness Rodante Orbillo regarding inconsistencies and recantations tied to a February 2026 joint affidavit during the third day of the lawmaker’s bail petition hearing.
Atty. Rashel Ann Pomoy, counsel for Romualdez, presented video footage in court showing Atty. Levito Baligod—counsel for Orbillo—acknowledging that the February 2026 document executed by 18 former bodyguards of former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co mistakenly included Senator Loren Legarda and Mamamayang Party-list Representative Leila de Lima.
Pomoy pointed out that this disputed affidavit served as the foundation for subsequent accusations against Romualdez, which were unveiled during a press conference attended by Orbillo and ultimately led to the filing of a ₱7.4-billion plunder case against her client in September.
When questioned by Pomoy if he knew about Baligod’s public admissions regarding the document’s errors, Orbillo confirmed that he was aware.
Although the prosecution panel objected, arguing that Orbillo could not speak on behalf of Baligod, Pomoy maintained that the witness was entirely accountable for the contents because he was a direct signatory.
”He is one of the affiants (signatories) of the affidavit as indicated by Atty. Baligod. These [errors] directly affect the matters of the affidavit because [there are] affiants who have recanted inclusion of certain individuals, and that Atty. Baligod said these were errors,” Pomoy stated before the court, adding, “We want to know who is the person that is behind them coming out and saying these things.”
During the cross-examination, Pomoy also raised the recantations made by fellow signatories Mark Bunagan and Dennis Loma. Because Orbillo’s August 2026 affidavit submitted to the Ombudsman claimed he was accompanied by Bunagan and Loma during alleged money deliveries to Romualdez, Pomoy sought his reaction. Orbillo testified that he had no knowledge of their withdrawals.
“Hindi ko alam iyong pinapasinungalingan,” Orbillo replied.
Furthermore, Orbillo acknowledged awareness that other co-signatories—alleged whistleblower Orly Guteza, Rosebert Waupan, and Benny Boluntante—had similarly retracted their claims against Romualdez.
During the prosecution’s redirect examination, Orbillo stated that he delivered money in suitcases to Romualdez at least 10 times, though he noted that Romualdez was personally absent during those drop-offs.
Sandiganbayan Third Division chairperson and Associate Justice Karl Miranda pressed Orbillo about his motives for testifying despite earlier claims of alleged financial offers ranging from ₱15 million to ₱20 million.
”Kung kumagat po kami sa offer nilang iyon, wala na pong magsasalita sa nangyaring korapsyon sa flood control,” Orbillo answered.
Justice Miranda immediately cautioned the witness to confine his statements to personal actions rather than collective motives.
”Don’t speak for the others. Ang tinatanong ko, ikaw,” the magistrate reminded him.
When Orbillo maintained that he came forward “para sa bayan,” Justice Miranda remarked on the weight of such declarations.
”Madaling magsabi na para sa bayan, lalo na kung malalaking amount ang involved,” Miranda said.
Orbillo stood by his testimony, responding, “Gusto lang po namin maglahad ng katotohanan.”