Sandiganbayan blocks Romualdez’s departure from PH

MANILA, April 23 ------ Former House Speaker Martin Romualdez is blocked from leaving the country after the Sandiganbayan issued a precautionary hold departure (PHDO) order against him as he faces investigation over an alleged kickback scheme involving flood control projects.

The anti-graft court’s Seventh Division, chaired by Associate Justice Lorifel Pahimna, granted the Office of the Ombudsman’s application for a PHDO on Wednesday after conducting a hearing on the same day. “[It] appears to the satisfaction of the Court after examining under oath the witnesses of applicant Office of the Ombudsman, through the Office of the Special Prosecutor, and the supporting Complaint-Affidavit, that there is probable cause to believe that respondent will depart from the Philippines to evade arrest and prosecution of crime/s being charged against him,” read the order signed by Associate Justice Pahimna.

The Ombudsman’s counter-affidavit submitted to the court on Monday implicates Romualdez in alleged offenses, including plunder, graft, direct bribery, indirect bribery, and money laundering in connection with the flood control scheme. No formal charges have yet been filed against the former House leader.

During the hearing, the Office of the Special Prosecutor argued Romualdez is a flight risk following the House of Representatives’ issuance of a travel clearance on Monday for his medical check-up in Singapore. It also noted in its verified ex parte application that Romualdez has access to a diplomatic passport, extensive international contacts, and the means to travel quickly.

The prosecution told the court that it will soon request a PHDO against Romualdez’s co-respondent in the complaint-affidavit, Joselito Paras, the reported owner of a Forbes Park, Makati residence, allegedly used as a “drop-off” point for kickbacks. The complaint-affidavit referenced statements from former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co, who seemingly named Romualdez as the alleged “mastermind” of the scheme, as well as sworn testimonies from alleged former Philippine Marines members and Orly Guteza describing supposed cash deliveries to Romualdez.

Source: news.abs-cbn.com