Sandiganbayan orders Martin Romualdez's transfer to QC jail
The Sandiganbayan Third Division has ordered the transfer of Martin Romualdez to the New Quezon City Jail Mail Dormitory in Payatas as a "detention prisoner" following UP-Philippine General Hospital's assessment that he is "clinically stable."
The Philippine STAR reported that UP-PGH, represented by its director Dr. Gerardo Legaspi, found Romualdez to be "clinically stable," requiring "no continued confinement" in its independent multidisciplinary medical examination of the former House Speaker.
Legaspi shared the results of the assessment with the Sandiganbayan Third Division on Monday, Sept. 14, per The STAR. According to him, there is "no imperative medical need" for Romualdez to stay confined in the hospital.
Per the evaluation, Romualdez did not show signs of unstable angina or acute coronary syndrome, which causes a tightness in the chest normally associated with coronary artery disease. Legaspi added that the risk of a heart attack occurring is low.
Further, Romualdez does not need inpatient psychiatric intervention, said Legaspi, though the doctor recommended regular follow-ups and monitoring of the lawmaker's mood. Legaspi said Romualdez has not shown suicidal intent.
According to a report by One News, UP-PGH doctors found Romualdez to be suffering from chronic coronary syndrome, major depressive disorder, and sleep apnea, which all need continuous medical intervention. However, the doctors also said these interventions do not require hospital confinement.
Hours after Legaspi shared his findings, the Sandiganbayan Third Division ordered Romualdez to be transferred to the New Quezon City Jail Male Dormitory in Payatas as a “detention prisoner,” per The STAR.
In a statement shared with media later in the day, Romualdez stood firm on his innocence.
"I have always said that I will face the charges against me and answer them before the proper court. That has not changed," he said. "I maintain my innocence. Haharapin ko ang kaso. Sasagutin ko ang mga paratang."
"This is a difficult moment for me and my family. But I will face the days ahead with dignity, with faith in God, and with confidence in the truth,” he continued.
Romualdez also thanked Cardinal Santos Medical Center and PGH, saying he would continue to follow his doctors' advice.
Romualdez's arrest
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.
Romualdez is scheduled to be arraigned on Wednesday, Sept. 16.
His co-accused are former Ako Bicol partylist Rep. Zaldy Co, Joselyn Tragua Serenio, and Felicito Cristobal Guevara.
