Martin Romualdez allowed to attend arraignment via videoconference

MANILA, Philippines — The Sandiganbayan Third Division on Tuesday allowed former House Speaker Martin Romualdez to attend his arraignment and pretrial proceedings via videoconference.

The tribunal issued the resolution in response to an urgent motion filed by Romualdez’s camp.

The court ordered the Quezon City Jail warden to assist Romualdez and provide him with the necessary facilities, services, and equipment.

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READ: Sandiganbayan orders Romualdez’s transfer to QC jail in Payatas

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It also directed the division clerk of court to “personally read the charges in the Information before accusing Romualdez himself at the aforesaid place.”

Furthermore, the Sandiganbayan allowed an assisting counsel for Romualdez, as well as a member of the prosecution panel, to be physically present in the room where the former speaker will attend the proceedings via videoconference.

Three members of the media were also allowed to be present inside the facility, but taking photos and video recordings are prohibited.

Romualdez is being charged with plunder over alleged kickbacks worth P7.44 billion in flood control and infrastructure projects funded under the General Appropriations Acts from 2022 to 2025. /mcm