The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) stated on Thursday, September 10, that former House Speaker and current Leyte 1st District Representative Martin Romualdez will not be granted special privileges should the court order his commitment to the Quezon City Jail Male Dormitory (QCJMD).
BJMP spokesperson Jayrex Bustinera issued the statement after confirming that the agency officially took custody of Romualdez following a court order.
“At approximately 4:15 p.m. 10 September 2026, Rep. Martin Romualdez was turned over to BJMP custody by the PNP-CIDG at Cardinal Santos Medical Center, pursuant to the Commitment Order issued by the Sandiganbayan 3rd Division,’’ Bustinera said.
The transfer comes after Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla revealed on September 8 that officials were evaluating moving the lawmaker from Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan to the police facility at Camp Crame Hospital, noting that police medical staff are fully capable of handling his healthcare needs.
Remulla clarified that the Sandiganbayan holds final authority over whether Romualdez remains at the private facility or is transferred to Camp Crame.
If a transfer is granted, Remulla noted that Romualdez’s personal doctors would still be granted access under visitation rights.
“Kami po ay mag momotion ng custody ni ex-speaker Martin Romualdez para dalin sa Camp Crame Hospital. Yun po ang gagawin naming initial step namin para under the formal custody bibigyan na lang namin ng visitation and practicing rights ang kanyang mga doktor para pwede silang pumunta sa camp crame. That motion will be filed later or tomorrow,’’ Remulla pointed out.
While Romualdez stays at Cardinal Santos Medical Center, law enforcement has implemented strict security measures. Remulla emphasized that tight monitoring was necessary after deeming the lawmaker a potential flight risk, pointing out his ownership of two private jets, three helicopters, and three yachts.
Security protocols currently include two armed guards posted outside Romualdez’s room 24/7, restricting his movement strictly to essential medical procedures within the facility.
Additional personnel have been stationed in the lobby alongside a mobile patrol unit outside the hospital grounds.