The prosecution plans to present 96 witnesses in the plunder case against former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, according to details discussed during the pretrial proceedings before the Sandiganbayan Third Division on Friday.
Of the 96 witnesses, 23 are expected to testify during the bail proceedings, while the remaining 73 are planned for the trial proper, according to the prosecution’s presentation during the pretrial hearing.
The defense, meanwhile, expects to present 41 witnesses during the trial, including Romualdez himself.
For the bail hearing, the defense plans to present up to four witnesses, depending on the need after the prosecution presents its evidence.
Romualdez’s legal team is scheduled to file a petition for bail on Monday, Sept. 28.
The Sandiganbayan has scheduled the bail hearing from Oct. 12 to Nov. 12. The proceedings are set to be held on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, according to the schedule discussed during the pretrial proceedings.
Romualdez attended Friday’s pretrial hearing through videoconference from the Quezon City Jail-Male Dormitory in Payatas.
The former House speaker is facing a plunder case in connection with alleged irregularities involving flood control projects.
The prosecution’s planned presentation of 96 witnesses covers both the bail proceedings and the trial proper. The defense also has identified Romualdez as one of its intended witnesses.
The upcoming bail proceedings will determine the arguments and evidence presented by both sides regarding the petition for bail.
The case remains pending before the Sandiganbayan Third Division, where the parties will present their respective evidence and witnesses according to the court’s proceedings.
