Former House Speaker and incumbent Leyte 1st District Representative Martin Romualdez was transferred to the Quezon City Jail Male Dormitory late Monday evening, September 14, following a directive from the Sandiganbayan Third Division.
According to Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) spokesperson Supt. Jayrex Bustinera, Romualdez was officially turned over to the detention facility at 10:49 p.m. after being discharged from the Philippine General Hospital (PGH).
Due to existing health concerns, the lawmaker was designated to the facility’s medical ward alongside other detainees under health supervision.
”Considering his medical needs and the medical recommendations presented before the Court, Rep. Romualdez has been placed in the jail infirmary together with other PDL (persons deprived of liberty) requiring medical monitoring,’’ Bustinera stated.
The BJMP emphasized that his assignment aligns with existing institutional protocols and judicial directives to guarantee necessary medical care.
“The BJMP assures the public that it will remain professional, impartial and consistent in the implementation of its rules and regulations,’’ Bustinera noted.
”All PDLs under the BJMP’s custody are treated fairly and humanely, without distinction or privilege based on status or position,” he added.
The court ordered the transfer after PGH Director Dr. Gerardo “Gap” Legaspi evaluated Romualdez and determined he was clinically stable for discharge.
Legaspi noted that while the lawmaker suffers from chronic coronary syndrome, chronic coronary artery disease, hypothyroidism, and sleep apnea, these conditions are manageable through routine maintenance medication and do not require inpatient hospitalization. Doctors also ruled out an active stroke.
Romualdez, who is facing a ₱7.4-billion plunder charge, was initially arrested on September 7 at Cardinal Santos Medical Center before being moved to PGH for an independent medical assessment.
Despite maintaining his innocence against the charges, Romualdez stated that he respects the anti-graft court’s order regarding his detention.