MANILA, Philippines — Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla has refuted allegations that detained former House Speaker Martin Romualdez sneaked out of the Quezon City Jail Male Dormitory (QCJMD).
During a press briefing, Remulla dismissed claims from a columnist regarding an alleged jail escape as mere hearsay. He assured the public that no irregular privileges or favors have been extended to the lawmaker, noting that Romualdez’s weight has dropped from 260 pounds to 160 pounds this year due to ongoing medical confinement.
To dispel suspicions, Remulla invited members of the press to inspect the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) records and review the facility’s closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage covering the entire duration of Romualdez’s detention.
“We take it all with all seriousness and again I would invite the entire media to serve as witness and to peruse through all the records of the BJMP kung may special treatment (Romualdez) or kung nakakalabas kasi ang pinapalabas nakakalabas siya ng BJMP. It is not true and I categorically deny and I invite all of you to look at the footages para makita niyo for once and for all na walang nakalabas sa BJMP,” Remulla stated.
According to the Interior chief, any accommodations made for the former speaker are strictly limited to his medical condition.
“The special treatment goes only as far as the medical condition allows but he does not leave the BJMP,” Remulla explained, adding that Romualdez receives very few visitors, restricted mainly to legal counsel and family.
BJMP Director Efren Nemeño echoed these statements, assuring the public that the bureau enforces uniform custodial rules for all persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) regardless of status. Nemeño welcomed external investigations and affirmed the agency’s full cooperation and commitment to transparency.
Romualdez originally arrived at the QCJMD facility at approximately 10:49 p.m. on September 14, where standard booking procedures were administered.