MANILA, Philippines — Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla announced that his office will conduct unannounced inspections at the Quezon City Jail in Payatas to ensure that detention guidelines are strictly implemented.
The directive follows intense public scrutiny regarding the detention conditions of former House Speaker and incumbent Leyte 1st District Representative Martin Romualdez, who is currently held at the facility.
Remulla noted that the inspections could take place at any time to dispel public doubts and maintain institutional accountability.
“To remove any doubt about how things are doing, we will do surprise visits sa jail. We’ll be starting to do that,” Remulla said during a media briefing.
“We’ll visit Payatas once in a while, at any given hour, whether it be morning or it’s midnight, just to check on everything—to make sure all the rules are being followed in Payatas.”
The Ombudsman’s remarks came in the wake of revelations during a Sandiganbayan Third Division hearing, where Jail Superintendent Maria Lourdes Pacion admitted that a personal staff member was permitted to stay inside Romualdez’s cell. Pacion defended the decision by citing the facility’s limited personnel and evaluating the arrangement on a case-to-case basis to assist with the former speaker’s daily requirements.
Pacion maintained that Romualdez has not left the detention facility outside of court hearings or visits to the sunning area. This addressed earlier rumors spread by veteran columnist Ramon Tulfo alleging that the former speaker was secretly leaving the premises. Tulfo has since retracted his statements, admitting he acted on incorrect information.
In response to the controversy, the Sandiganbayan directed the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) to submit a notarized report and review closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage covering Romualdez’s detention period up to November 4.
BJMP officials are scheduled to reappear before the court on November 9 to present further compliance and health reports.