Former House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez attended his arraignment and pre-trial proceedings in a plunder case via videoconference from the Quezon City Jail–Male Dormitory in Payatas, Quezon City, on Wednesday.

According to a report by RH Val Gonzales, the Sandiganbayan Third Division granted Romualdez’s urgent motion seeking permission to attend the proceedings remotely, citing his current detention and condition.

Under the court order issued Tuesday, the arraignment is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on September 16 at the Sandiganbayan Third Division courtroom.

While Romualdez will participate through videoconference from the jail facility, the Division Clerk of Court will personally go to the Quezon City Jail to read the charges contained in the Information directly to the former House speaker.

The court also authorized an assisting counsel for Romualdez and one member of the prosecution panel to be physically present at the designated area inside the jail. The rest of Romualdez’s legal team and the prosecution panel are required to attend the hearing in court.

The Sandiganbayan also allowed three media representatives, to be designated among news organizations, to attend the arraignment inside the jail facility and share appropriate information, photos and videos with other reporters.

However, the court prohibited the taking of photos or video recordings of the actual hearing.

The arraignment concerns the plunder case involving an estimated ₱7.4 billion in government funds.

UP-Philippine General Hospital Medical Director Dr. Gerardo Legaspi earlier said Romualdez remains physically weak, prompting the arrangement for him to participate in the proceedings remotely.

Romualdez is currently detained at the Quezon City Jail - Male Dormitory in connection with the case.