Romualdez set to take witness stand in own plunder case

National

THE defense is turning to its most prominent witness in the plunder case against former Speaker Martin Romualdez: the controversial lawmaker himself.

His lawyer, Ade Fajardo, said that Romualdez wants to defend himself in court and is expected to testify when the defense begins presenting its evidence before the Sandiganbayan.

“Of course, the most important [witness] is the accused himself, Congressman Romualdez,” Fajardo said in an Inquirer report.

He added that Romualdez is expected to be formally listed as a defense witness once the proceedings reach the stage for the presentation of the defense’s evidence.

The Sandiganbayan ordered the arrest of Romualdez, former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co and two other accused on Sept. 7 over plunder charges.

The case stems from allegations that the accused received kickbacks totaling P7.44 billion from contractors, individuals and entities with interests in flood control, infrastructure and other government projects funded under the General Appropriations Acts from 2022 to 2025.(MyTVCebu)