THE camp of former House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Wednesday stressed that his 90-day preventive suspension does not mean he has been found guilty of plunder, saying the allegations against him remain unproven and must still be established during trial.
Atty. Ade Fajardo, legal counsel for Romualdez, said the Sandiganbayan’s November 10 resolution merely found the criminal Information legally sufficient and ordered preventive suspension as required by law.
“The court has not found Martin guilty of plunder. It has not established that he received a single peso in illegal commissions or kickbacks,” Fajardo said in a statement.
He pointed out that the Sandiganbayan Third Division itself stated that the specific acts allegedly committed by Romualdez, his degree of participation, and the transactions through which he supposedly received kickbacks or commissions remain matters to be examined and established during trial.
Fajardo emphasized that the court’s ruling on the legal sufficiency of the Information should not be interpreted as proof of the accusations.
“Hindi hatol ng pagkakasala ang suspension. Mismong korte ang nagsabing kailangan pang patunayan ang mga paratang. Hindi sapat ang akusasyon—kailangan ng ebidensya,” Fajardo said.
He stressed that the burden remains on the prosecution to prove the allegations against the former Speaker beyond reasonable doubt.
“An allegation is not evidence. A valid Information is not a conviction. The prosecution must still prove its case beyond reasonable doubt,” he added.
The defense also noted that Romualdez is already detained and can no longer exercise the ordinary functions and powers of his congressional office.
Although the Sandiganbayan ruled that preventive suspension remains mandatory despite his detention, it made no specific finding that Romualdez had intimidated witnesses, tampered with evidence, or obstructed the proceedings, the defense said.
Fajardo said Romualdez respects the court’s ruling and will study the available legal remedies while continuing to maintain his innocence.
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