Two former Marines are expected to testify as state witnesses for the Office of the Ombudsman as the Sandiganbayan begins hearing the bail petition of detained former House Speaker Martin Romualdez on Monday, October 12.
Jorge Villalon Jr. and Johnny Butuan, accompanied by their counsel, Atty. Levito Baligod, arrived early at the anti-graft court for the initial hearing before its Third Division, Val Gonzales reported during Damdaming Bayan.
The two former Marines have accused Romualdez of receiving suitcases of money allegedly linked to the anomalous flood control projects at the center of the ₱7.4-billion kickback case.
Their testimony is expected to be significant in the proceedings as the court considers Romualdez’s request for temporary liberty while the case is pending.
Romualdez, who is detained at the New Quezon City Jail in Payatas, was allowed to participate in the hearing through videoconferencing.
The Sandiganbayan has scheduled a month-long hearing on his bail petition, running from October 12 to November 12.
The case stems from allegations of corruption involving flood control projects, which have drawn public scrutiny over the use of government funds intended to protect communities from flooding.
