Martin Romualdez detained in QC jail
Former House Speaker Martin Romualdez has been transferred from the Philippine General Hospital to the New Quezon City Jail in Payatas at 10:09 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 14.
The transfer was ordered by the Sandiganbayan Third Division soon after doctors from UP-PGH testified Romualdez was clinically stable and did not require continued in-hospital care.
Romualdez was arrested on Sept. 7 over a P7.44 billion plunder charge connected to his alleged involvement in anomalous flood control projects. He was served the warrant at Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan City, where he was confined prior to his arrest.
The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology took over custody of Romualdez from the Philippine National Police on Sept. 10, but kept him detained in the hospital upon orders from Sandiganbayan, citing the lawmaker's ailments as reported by his medical team.
His doctors said Romualdez was unfit to be moved to a jail facility due to unstable blood pressure and the heightened risk of stroke and a heart attack. Doctors also reported seeing signs of depression and anxiety in Romualdez.
While allowing Romualdez to stay in the hospital then, the Sandiganbayan sought a second opinion and ordered Romualdez's transfer to the Philippine General Hospital on Sept. 11.
On Monday, Sept. 14, UP-PGH Director Dr. Gerardo Legaspi told the anti-graft court the hospital's team of doctors found Romualdez to be "clinically stable" and no longer required hospital confinement. Their assessment, conducted on Sept. 12, found Romualdez to be suffering from chronic coronary syndrome, major depressive disorder, and sleep apnea, all of which need continuous medical intervention but not confinement.
Romualdez did not show signs of unstable angina, and his risk of a heart attack was low, per UP-PGH. He also did not need inpatient psychiatric intervention. However, the doctors recommended regular medical follow-ups and monitoring of the lawmaker's mood.
Romualdez has said he is not at fault, which he expressed in a statement on Monday, Sept. 14, soon after the Sandiganbayan ordered his transfer to the QC jail. "I maintain my innocence. Haharapin ko ang kaso. Sasagutin ko ang mga paratang," he said.
His arraignment and pre-trial have been set for Wednesday, Sept. 16 at 8:30 a.m., where he is expected to enter a plea.
His co-accused are former Ako Bicol partylist Rep. Zaldy Co, Joselyn Tragua Serenio, and Felicito Cristobal Guevara.
