The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) said Sunday that it had not monitored any threats following the transfer of former House Speaker and incumbent Leyte 1st District Representative Martin Romualdez to the Philippine General Hospital (PGH).
BJMP spokesperson Jail Superintendent Jayrex Bustinera said the agency had made the necessary preparations and was ready to respond to any possible security concerns when Romualdez was placed under its custody.
“Wala namang po (banta). Nakapaghandaan naman ang BJMP for any eventualities, kaya matatandaan natin, bago ma-turn over sa BJMP, may mga preparations na pong nilalatag,” Bustinera said in a radio interview on Sunday, September 13.
He said the agency had also prepared vehicles and personnel and would coordinate with other government agencies, including the Philippine National Police (PNP) and local police authorities in the area where Romualdez is confined.
“Nakahanda na ang mga sasakyan, mga tauhan. Lahat naman ito kinoconsider at makikipagtulungan din po sa ibang ahensya ng pamahalaan, katulad ng Philippine National Police (PNP) o kaya pati local police kung saan yung hospital,” he added.
Meanwhile, PGH is expected to submit its recommendation to the Sandiganbayan at 5 p.m. Sunday on whether Romualdez still needs to remain confined in the hospital.
PGH spokesperson Dr. Jonas del Rosario said a team of specialists will review and discuss the findings from Romualdez’s medical examinations before the hospital submits its assessment to the anti-graft court.
Romualdez was transferred Saturday from Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan City to PGH in Manila for an independent medical evaluation following the issuance of an arrest warrant. If doctors determine that hospital confinement is no longer necessary, he could be transferred to the Quezon City Jail.
The lawmaker was arrested Monday at Cardinal Santos Medical Center, the same day the Office of the Ombudsman filed a ₱7.4-billion plunder case against him and three others over their alleged involvement in a kickback scheme involving flood-control projects.
PGH has maintained that its assessment of Romualdez’s medical condition will be conducted objectively and independently.