The defense team representing former House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez has assembled a preliminary list of more than 40 potential witnesses, though the final lineup will depend on the strength of the evidence submitted by prosecutors at the Sandiganbayan.
Lead defense counsel Atty. Ade Fajardo explained to reporters that the witness roster remains fluid as the defense team evaluates the prosecution’s presentation before deciding who to call to the stand.
“This is all subject po sa presentation of prosecution. So lahat nang ito ay tentative pa,” Fajardo stated.
Fajardo noted that if the prosecution fails to establish a strong case, the defense may opt not to present every witness listed in its pre-trial brief.
“Kung sa aming pagtingin ay hindi naman kailangang sagutin o mahina naman o hindi malakas ang magiging ebidensya ng prosecution, we might not feel the need na to present those witnesses,” Fajardo said.
Ex-Speaker Romualdez Expected to Testify
Highlighting the defense strategy, Fajardo identified the former House leader as the centerpiece of their case.
“Syempre ang pinaka-importante ay ang akusado mismo, si Congressman Romualdez. He wants his day to defend himself in court,” Fajardo said, adding that “Likelier than not, titestigo po si Congressman Romualdez” when the defense presents its main evidence.
Following the formal conclusion of pre-trial proceedings, the defense team is preparing to submit its petition for bail. Fajardo indicated that the petition has been finalized for some time and was awaiting the end of the pre-trial phase before official filing. Bail hearings are slated to commence in the second week of October, during which the prosecution will present its initial evidence.