Romualdez seeks bail, says P7.44-B plunder case rests on weak proof

MANILA, Philippines - Former House speaker Martin Romualdez has asked the Sandiganbayan to grant him bail in his P7.44-billion plunder case.

Romualdez filed the petition before the anti-graft court's Third Division on Monday, September 28, arguing that the prosecution has failed to present evidence strong enough to justify denying him bail.

His lawyers also argued that evidence presented by the Office of the Ombudsman does not meet the threshold of "proof evident" or "presumption great" required to deny bail for an offense punishable by reclusion perpetua.

They maintained that the prosecution's case relies on a "chain of inferences" rather than direct evidence of Romualdez's participation in the alleged scheme.

Romualdez also argued that the prosecution has failed to identify a specific project, contract or direct instruction from him that would link him to the alleged unlawful collection of funds.